Tag Archives: writing

A Voice in the Wind, Calling to be Free

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A Voice in the Wind Calling to be Free

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free is the title of a poem that took decades to complete. The inspiration surfaced when I was in high school. The title summoned me to speak and tell its story. Initially, the idea had numerous possibilities. Its profound potential for simplicity filled me with enthusiasm. I wanted to craft a powerful declaration about freedom. I visualized a story that could connect with people all over the world. However, I was unsuccessful and never seriously finished a paragraph.

Weeks of frustration forced me to abandon my pursuit. I set the title aside for another day, unfortunately postponement was a routine act. Life took the lead, and the poem became out of sight, out of mind. Periodically I would return to the title to see if it provided inspiration and information.

During the dormant years, I made many attempts to complete the poem. But there was significant writer’s block. I could complete many blogs, articles, and books, but not this poem.  I was frustrated. I felt like Captain Ahab chasing the elusive Moby Dick in Herman Melville’s novel. I wondered if I would ever achieve success. The title was an unfulfilled obsession.

More than 30 years passed. One day, the title arrived for another visitation. A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free. There was nothing special about this occasion. However, I meditated on the title, changed my thinking, and finally, a breakthrough.

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free became a reality. It emerged with three perspectives. The perspectives were as follows;

  1. People confined to destructive and nonproductive relationships
  2. People trapped in dead-end jobs and unfulfilling careers
  3. People in dangerous countries/surroundings with oppressive circumstances

These multiple voices were in turbulent situations, environments, or circumstances. Their emotions were in turmoil and shrouded in fear. They were examples of desperate people seeking freedom. Neighbors who were near and far, with similar circumstances, vying for their freedom. Individual and collective voices formed a chorus. The voices were captured and were in solidarity with freedom seekers from all corners of the earth.

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free is a poem about perseverance, stamina, and persistence. It urges individuals to have hope, grit, commitment, consistency, and empathy.

The poem took over 30 years from concept to completion. I was anxious to share the story with others. I chuckled when I imagined a potential response; “It took 30 years, and this is the best you could do? “

I humbly submit, A Voice in the Wind Calling to be Free. I am hopeful that you can identify with the scenarios presented.

Copyright © 2024 Orlando Cease7

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free

Solitary confinement
In a relationship going nowhere,
Out of touch,
No alignment
Or gentle words to share;
Addicted to nostalgia
To lift you from despair,
It is replacement therapy
When intimacy is not there,

There’s a voice in the wind
Calling to be free,
To release you and put an end
To misery.
A voice in the wind
Falling on history,
A voice in the wind
Calling to be free.

Every day in a dead-end job
Where talent is inconsequential,
Frustrated by scenes that rob
Your skills and your credentials,
Confounded by the rhetoric
Of those who are influential,
Restricted by the politics
That tries to nullify your potential,

So, there’s a voice in the wind
Calling to be free,
A choice to transcend
The misery.
A voice enthralling
As a whispered plea.
A voice in the wind
Calling to be free.

On the outskirts of hamlets burn
The unquenchable desire
Of villagers who seek their turn
To join the liberation choir.
The countries learn that tyranny
Can not extinguish the fire,
The cries of freedom and liberty
That instigate and inspire,

Through voices in the wind
Calling to be free;
To honorably defend
Expressing autonomy;
A voice in the wind
Installing the victory;
A voice in the wind
Calling to be free.

There are voices in the wind
Calling to be free,
A choice to put an end
To bigotry.
They would rejoice
And cheer triumphantly,
Celebrate independence,
Celebrate being free.

Copyright © 2004 Orlando Ceaser

Reprinted from the book FREE which can be ordered at OrlandoCeaser.com


http://www.watchwellinc.com

OrlandoCeaser.com




We Ran

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Running was a significant part of my survival and development. I grew up in the city and running was an integral part of my being chased. People would see me and my survial instinct would kick into match their predator desire to bully me. We run for various reasons and in many situations. I wrote this poem which Char McAllister set to music with other creative elements.
https://youtu.be/AnZ8LF8qfVg?si=8E96zHPJYgz7JYou

We Ran



Long years ago,

We ran as children as a part of play,

In games of tag and keep-away;

On the bases and on the field,

We ran to win and never yield.



We ran for safety, to escape a stranger;

Across the street at the sight of danger;

We ran to let off steam,

For the space to scream,

To a place to dream,

As we release the anger.



We ran for advancement and achievement;

Into and away from trouble and bereavement.

We ran as a metaphor for being alive,

To express the drive,

So, we could survive.



We ran when chased with a weapon or gun;

When threatened by the gang of more than one;

From the jukebox to the club

As the singers sang;

Into the night and into the streets,

We ran to victory and from defeat.

We ran as we ached at our core;

We ran in fright, 

When we could fight no more.



We ran to hope 

And to separate from others;

We ran to discover and to recover.

We ran from the jowls of hate

And those who wanted to incarcerate.

We ran in sport, on the court, in the alley;

Ran from behind as we staged a rally.

We ran for recognition,

As if on a mission;

To run up the score on the competition;

We ran for it was in us to run;

For it was how, we got things done.



We ran to distance ourselves 

From the trader’s whip;

The ruthless profit minded invaders ships

We ran when they severed our relationships.

And took our loved ones to another plantation.

We ran from miscegenation

Without representation,

And segregation

Without explanation.



We ran with Harriet in the Underground.

We ran low, quick, and softly,

So, we could not be found;

When staying was costly.

We ran from the stories being told;

When we were tortured, beaten, and sold.

We ran from the fear of retribution;

From racist biases and institutions.

We run because the evil had begun

And wickedness preceded the setting sun.

We ran as being chased by the men in blue;

With the swiftness of a runaway

Being viewed as revenue;



We ran as a symbol of being safe;

To have the independence,

A chance to escape;

To bring a gold medal to our nation;

To be prominent and dominant

In professional sports;

We ran for office and to avoid the courts.



We ran as Barack and Brandon ran.

We ran as Shirley and Kamala ran.

We ran like Jesse to protect home; 

It was the GPS in our chromosomes.

We ran to greet our families;

To love and embrace,

Where home was a comfort place,

Surrounded by God’s living 

And saving grace.



We ran to and during our time on Earth. 

We ran when mobile after a blessed birth;

We ran to and from our comfort zones;

We ran in groups and ran alone.

We ran into and during the war;

When we did not know what we were fighting for.



We ran, reflecting on moments,

From the recent past.

We ran to clear our minds;

When we were outcasts.

To face the evil in front

And monsters behind,

Toward an unknown future;

Hoping that we would find

An opportunity,  

To be as neighbors in community,

Pursuing something,

Not from something,

But forward and toward

Not running away,

And seeking the bounty 

Of a brighter day. 





Copyright © 2023 Orlando Ceaser