People like to think that freedom
means a lack of restraints
No bounds or shackles to rally against.
This thought is seductive,
to shed your humility.
But it deceives you,
for this freedom doesn’t grant ability.

If you were handed a pen, or sat in front of a piano
And given permission to write any masterpiece
It’s tempting to think that lyrics and melody
Would flow from your fingers, or a line, at least.

But the truth of the matter is that
freedom comes through mastery
We are not plants or birds, with beauty predetermined
and ready to be unleashed,
held back by concrete or cages,
though this is a compelling fallacy.

That which we must develop must be learned,
and then we find our freedom.