Self-Liberty

[ex-oneperfec858.livejournal.com]

I would not be dependent, even for love,
On man or woman. Nay, I would - I will
Be as the eagles through the heavens that move
Boundlessly free, though separate. And as still
A torrent, dashing from its native hill,
Doth make its own best way, be't mine to groove
My individual world-path, and approve
Its lonely fitness with a sovereign thrill!
Thus large must be my freedom, for the need
Is in my nature and defies dispute,
Even as the bent peculiar to its breed
Constrains yon tree to bear its proper fruit:
And though the pliant deem me a strange brute
What care I, being thus myself indeed!

~ Charles Harpur