I like this poem

October 18, 2009

I like this poem

i came across this poem on another blog, and wanted to post it here because certain parts of it really ring true for me. Other parts don't so much, but i think that's more down to personal interpretations of 'slavery' than anything else. Have a read and see what you think....

slavery is not about suffering... slavery is about service.
slavery is not about humiliation... slavery is about humility.
slavery is not about pain... slavery is about being present.
slavery is not about being used... slavery is about being of use.
slavery is not about control... slavery is about letting go.
slavery is not about your desires... slavery is about giving to others.
slavery is not about abuse... slavery is about acceptance.
slavery is not about proving anything... slavery is about being real.
slavery is not about contempt... slavery is about respect.
slavery is not about how you look... slavery is about the size of your heart.
slavery is not about denying yourself... slavery is about being open.
slavery is not about bondage... slavery is about freeing your spirit.
slavery is not about punishment... slavery is about discipline.
slavery is not about being unable to escape... slavery is about being committed.
slavery is not about submission... slavery is about obedience.
slavery is not about fear... slavery is about trust.
slavery is not about sex... slavery is about love.
slavery is not about pleasure... slavery is about happiness.
~ David Stein ~

The parts i really like are the first 3 pairs of lines, because all too often people get the idea that being a slave is all about suffering, humiliation and pain (oh, and sex and bondage which are mentioned elsewhere in the poem) when really it's more about service, humility and being present (not sure i agree that it's always about love, but i definitely agree with the freeing your spirit line). But i'm not sure i agree that slavery is not about submission, because to me the two go hand in hand, i submit to Sir and i am His slave. i could submit to Him without being His slave but i don't see how i could be His slave and not submit to Him. Unless i'm reading this wrong? But on the whole i really like this poem and i hope others like it too (And if you want to read a great series of blogposts based on the ideas in this poem, go here).