This is Freedom

We hear a lot about freedom. We hear of the 'freedom' of "anything goes" and of "each to their own." We hear of the 'freedom' of markets to drive up profits (and drive out prophets). We hear of the 'freedom' bought with guns and missiles and self-piloting drones. We could be tempted to get a little bit cynical about this "gift of freedom" we have been given: it doesn't always look like a particularly attractive present.

But there is another freedom. And it was this other freedom which kept cropping up during the bible introduction of our first week in Taize this year. It is this other freedom which is the inspiration for this poem.

A saying no

Allows

The yes of

A whole life

A choice to close

The door

To other possibilities

By saying yes

To fullness of life

Where freedom flies

A life lived

At the edge

Of what we know

As others call

Us out

Beyond ourselves

And in their love

We touch

The fullness of life

Where freedom flies

In the daring trust

Of a human heart

Where a spark

Of the infinite

Touches

The mortality

Of the everyday

This is the place

Of fullness of life

Where freedom flies