In the United State, we’re said to be free
But time and again, this question plagues me
If I’m free, why do I feel restricted and bound
The answer I’ve glimpsed; but not totally found.

I’m bound by both society and bills
To the point of frustration, I often take ill.
Bills that promote my position and stature
Through charge accounts, great wealth I’ve been able to capture

People see me through a prosperous lens
I promote that belief, is that to be considered a sin
Or is that the point to which I’m restricted
The standards of others is to what I’m convicted

Rejection, the punishment, I fear the most
So, I stand tall and am careful to guard my post
At last, a vision I see,
The past and present, all about me

I’ve been marching to another’s beat
But with frustrated goals, I feel only defeat
I’m sorry world, you’ll have to let go
I must be loosed of your standards, so I may grow

Your values I only partially share
Of great wealth and general acceptance, I little care
To myself first, I must be true
And if you meet my standard, I might accept you. . .

And yet, as I sat and reflected on each foregoing line
I realized how you and I totally combine
For if I were to reject you, as not being right
It would also encumber and add to your plight.

So, with the realization, the acceptance you need
Your rights I’ll respect and convictions I’ll heed
For I realized that “right” is just a state of mind
And to what you see as right I might be blind.

Who’s to say where each of us stand
In the evolutionary process of the soul of man
Yes. we each play an important role
In the evolutionary process of our own, and all other souls.

1974