Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE PUPPET, WIND, by GORDON JOWERS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE PUPPET, WIND, by                    
First Line: Blow, blow, I defy you, wind
Last Line: From going where my fancy wishes.
Subject(s): Bodies; Freedom; Puppets; Wind; Liberty; Marionettes


Blow, blow, I defy you, Wind;
I will stand up here facing you
with my head thrown back
and breathe you deep
until my head feels light
and I have to look at the ground
to steady my elated self.

"As free as the breeze," I've heard;
is that what makes you puff yourself?
Why should you? You're not free;
you are more a slave than I.
You're subject to Heat and Cold all over the earth;
they it is who make you wander about
or sweep along seeming free and powerful.
They move you as they wish
or keep you still and powerless.
Is that freedom, O boastful one?
You're not nearly so free as I:
I can journey anywhere at any time
in spite of Heat and Cold and you
or any walls or obstacles --
and more quickly, too.
"As fast as the wind," some say.
Ha! You're not nearly so fast as I;
men measure your velocity,
but they cannot estimate mine
in my swift flights to the sky-line.
See me?
You can't see me in my escapes
any more than I can see you.
I don't mean that my body goes,
I said I myself go.
Why should I be encumbered by taking my body along
when it adds nothing to my enjoyment?
Blow, then, harder; I like to feel your borrowed force
against my face and body;
but you can never hold me back
from going where my fancy wishes.





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