I want to live my life,
	And all I hope to be,
To do just what I want to do,
	No shackles tied to me.

I want to live my life my best,
	And help my brothers too,
But they to be free, as I wish to be,
	And do as they can do.

Each to plan his life
	Or her life, as it might be,
Each to strive for the goal they have set,
	But each one to be free.

This world is a wide and lofty place
	So surely we must know,
The sun and air God gives free,
	Means our souls have space to grow.

This world is hampered and burdened,
	Always groping for the light,
Like a rose that blooms in a shady place,
	Cannot bloom by half so bright.

So give me freedom of thought and will,
	I care nor for the rest,
Then like roses that bloom in the sunniest spot,
	My soul will grow to its best.

Katherine Carey-Place 1878-1934

Copyright Roy Richard