Can Freedom Be a Creed?
So…never mind twinned paradox (yet not
Just two-word oxymoron). “Freedom ruled,”
Is what the English peasant poet taught.
This writer did not need his knowledge schooled.
John Clare, he should have been called Clear. His line
Was stronger than this poem had begun.
John’s read, “Unbounded freedom ruled”. His mine
Was not a schoolroom. It was peasant life.
Untutored as he was, he triumphed, freed
A paradox and made it playful fun
“Unbounded” turned the “freedom” to his creed
Then playfulness became a thing to stun.
Clare did this, turning phrasing to his trick–
His added “ruled” gave wisdom its full kick.
~ Phillip Whidden