HOW CAN I KNOW LIBERTY?

One thought oft bothers me,
— how can I know "Liberty"?

Is it luscious and tasty
— like a ripe plum?
Or solid as a rock
— what 'ere may come?
Is it a color like red
— or white or blue?
Or cheers very loud,
— or a song or tattoo?
Has it stripes or stars
— or some other shape?
Is it velvety smooth
— or soft like crepe?

But perhaps it's not
— a person, place or thing
An emblem, flag, chant
— or heroic song to sing.

As I ponder Liberty
— it starts to dawn,
That I will only know it
— after it has gone.

©Copyright May 11, 2003 by Ray W. Sarlin

Written for the May 2003 IWVPA Club Theme Project, Liberty