Dictated by Design
by John Janzen © 2025If liberty is limited
then we have been restrained
our full potential never reached
our freedom is detained
Or could it be that what we claim
As freedom is confused
Some things will leave our good design
Misguided and abused
A bugle sounds, the battle starts
But only if the horn
Has air supplied to the right end
The cavalry to warn
It would not do to spin it round
Or whack it with a stick
No strumming would produce a sound
Nor dancing do the trick
The bugle by unique design
Has just one way to play
Those who insist on liberty
Will wallow in dismay
The lesson here is also true
For those like you and I
Our greatest joy and flourishing
Dictated by design
This poem won second place for the
May 2025 poetry contest
