Maa/ Freedom

Freedom is not for me, who flounders
in oceans of living,
if let go of.

I cannot speak
but for the music of your pulse.

I cannot walk
but down avenues you carved your labour into.

I cannot sleep
but within the curving stoop of your bending back.

I cannot breathe,
but for the air filtering into me, through your blood.

Freedom is not for me, who flounders
in oceans of living,
if let go of.

(C) Annie Zaidi
[Written originally in 2002. Now, posting it with slight editing]