Free Mind

By AC

A free mind–first and foremost:
Is it even possible?
To have a mind free enough to soar above
Any and all obstacles,
A mind as pure and strong as the hand
With which it was created,
A gift that bears gifts?
I’d be unstoppable
If my mind were as clear as the skies,
I’ve always wished to ascend,
To fly

You mean to tell me there’s something beyond the clouds?
All I have to do is get rid of my fears
And leave my past behind?
Lord knows I’ve been walking blind
Still can those eyes truly see
A mind so free?

Therein resides visions of grandeur
That surpass your sweetest dreams
Even if confined, a free mind can push through walls,
Transcend
Any bitter end

You say in my mind are ideas that even pioneers would envy?
Shake life’s restraints
Escape to a place many a good book send me
See life–
while blind to the surroundings designed only to kill desire–
with a clarity more precious than diamonds
Careful, free time surely expires
But there is nothing in this world that can stop
A free mind!

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17 Comments

  1. CC on December 29, 2022 at 4:17 PM

    This poem is so complex and creative. I love the bold and innovative approach to rhymes (possible / obstacle / unstoppable — even standing alone, these words hold a really clear and powerful narrative). The triumphant ending made me feel uplifted and hopeful. I really enjoyed reading this, AC!

    • merry on February 26, 2023 at 10:28 AM

      As someone who doesn’t read poetry often, this poem is so creative and attaching. With the world bringing constant challenges to us, simple images and wisdom creates a hope, and thank you for providing that in a poetic way.

  2. Beti Y. Solomon on January 11, 2023 at 6:12 PM

    AC! What a truly structured self-reflection! I love your use of imagery and questions. It really enhanced the desire for curiosity in your piece. Keep going!

  3. Charlie on February 4, 2023 at 2:42 PM

    Nothing more human a desire than to fly. The ultimate form of freedom, to soar above everything and be completely apart. But your mind is already there: free from your body, gliding above the clouds. For a mind to truly be free, don’t you need to stay on the ground? Anyway, I think your rhymes are pretty clever. To strive for a free mind is, I think, something we should all do, however futile it might be. We can all learn a little something from dreaming a bit bigger.

  4. Matthew Handley on February 5, 2023 at 6:15 PM

    AC, I love your expression here of your message. It is true that a mind that is truly free can not be held down by the darkness of the world. I love the analogy of a free mind being able to soar through clear skies and not be dragged down by the clouds. All minds have some darkness in them, but being able to move through that and look for the light is what makes an individual free, and I feel that’s what your poem is expressing here.

    Your work is beautiful, and I hope to read more from you in the future. Wishing you all the best 🙂

  5. Christina on February 6, 2023 at 3:03 PM

    Thank you for sharing this poem! The imagery, line breaks, and punctuation all add to its meaning, and I especially love how you chose to end it with a joyful exclamation. The message is very powerful and really made me think about how the human spirit can persevere through even the toughest situations.

  6. Vatsal on February 11, 2023 at 2:10 AM

    AC,
    your poem asks a lot of questions to the reader, and I think that is a good thing because it helps to keep the reader engaged with the text at hand. Also, having a free mind is not an easy thing to do considering that people are always busy in today’s world. Your poem does a nice job of addressing these issues. Overall, nice job.

  7. Dhruv Vaidya on February 11, 2023 at 11:37 PM

    I enjoyed this poem, not only because I resonate with the exhilaration of utilizing one’s mind, but also because, after doing research on free will, and doing my best to understand whether it is possible or not, I understand how the freer one’s mind is, the more that one is able to navigate through the obstacles that exist in their path. Thus, I agree with the author when they say that “there is nothing in this world that can stop / A free mind!”, especially one that is tested against the difficulties of life.

  8. Peter Zhang on February 12, 2023 at 10:42 PM

    This poem discussion the relationship between human’s free will and their ability to think. It is difficult to construct a thought without interruption or influences from the outside or other sources. The author emphasizes that it is important to explore your inner self and ideas without the restrains, but it is hard to achieve in this fast paced world.

  9. kayla on February 12, 2023 at 11:00 PM

    Hello! Your poem was so well written. I really resonated with the desire to have a free mind. Sometimes, I also find myself overthinking and this poem really captured my thoughts through imagery. Great Job!

  10. AJ on February 13, 2023 at 5:51 PM

    Incredible piece!! As someone so caught up in so many different things at all times, being mentally free seems so i reachable at times and i so relate to this, It is amazing, the way you articulate your words. I am impressed and beside myself!! Very talented you are:)

  11. Ashley T on February 20, 2023 at 9:24 PM

    I really resonated with your poem, and think it is very well written. The ability to have a free mind is something that I have wished for for a long time. It can be difficult to allow ourselves to get to the point where the state of our mind is untouchable, and only influenced by ourselves. When you said “I’d be unstoppable
    If my mind were as clear as the skies” it was eye-opening how impactful it could be to have a free and open mind, as it is something that can bring great peace. In difficult times, I feel as though it is important to continue working towards achieving things like this; things that will make us feel free and at peace. To be able to truly have a free mind as clear as the skies is amazing, and I wish you the best in your journey!

  12. Courtney D on February 21, 2023 at 9:29 AM

    Hello AC,

    This poem really got me thinking about having a free mind. Sometimes my mind can get a little cloudy and it’s hard to break free of that. I love how you pointed out “to get rid of my fears and leave the past behind”, if that’s what helps create a free mind then I will be doing that. I appreciate you sharing this poem. I’ve been having a hard time lately mentally so I needed to read this, thank you!

    Sincerely
    CD

  13. Olivia on February 26, 2023 at 10:30 AM

    AC,

    Thank you for your beautifully written poem. I think it is a common human experience to question whether or not a free mind is such a thing and the progression of the poem that has the imagery of the freeness is wonderful to read.

  14. Devansh Gandhi on February 28, 2023 at 8:54 PM

    Dear AC,

    Thank you so much for sharing your poem! I really like the idea of the mind itself being an object that can “soar over obstacles.” I think your work provides an interesting insight that there might always be something on our mind, and life is a constant journey to shake these restraints. It was great to read!

  15. A. on April 16, 2023 at 11:51 PM

    Your poem conveys a sense of longing for a free mind and its potential to transcend limitations and achieve greatness. It inspires a sense of determination and resilience in the pursuit of freedom and self-realization. I love how positive the poem sounds and inspirational. Thank you for sharing!

  16. Denise K on April 27, 2023 at 11:31 PM

    AC, yes, what a great thing to have a free mind. I love these lines in your poem:

    “A mind as pure and strong as the hand
    With which it was created,”

    I also like that image of flying / soaring in the first stanza.

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