The Abyss of Freedom [Poem]

Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Original 11 Feb, 2024; A poem I wrote while at basic training

We stand at our cliffs, our terrifying abyss of freedom, shouting into the eternal void our hopes and dreams, hoping for a response to call our destiny. But too oft our call never comes, We stand at the edge wanting an ounce of certainty, a piece of truth, a guiding star to our liking. Certainty is a horizon we walk towards but never reach, for safety is a siren’s call, and with too much of it we cry for the risk of freedom.

And we as these eternal beings stand in living contradiction,

Between the two infinities that stretch in two directions.

To be safe or to be free, God tell me where I am supposed to be,

give me a map for my life, show it to me – my destiny.

A response comes from beyond the void, Behind the curtain of the elements;

an undesired answer to my paradox of sentiments.

Fear not my child, and yet do fear, for in a paradox I’ve placed you,

this so that you may manifest the miracle of virtue.

Eternity is an unbroken line of choices, the paths are given you to choose.

— the peace you seek won’t come with certainty, but when you’re unafraid to lose.

Seek your life and you shall lose it, in the scriptures it is written.

— my only test I have for you is stand tall in the abyss of your freedom.

And when the blanket of safety encircles you, and lulls your soul to sleep,

Your eyes for life begin to shut, and angels start to weep.

It’s the awakened soul with minds wide open that qualifies my flock — so in your storm step on the water — Arise my child and walk.