Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE REBEL, by DAVID IGNATOW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE REBEL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When I must look to see where I can run
Last Line: You are free.
Subject(s): Escapes; Prisons & Prisoners; Revolutions; Fugitives; Convicts


When I must look to see where I can run,
then the thing is to run without looking,
to make the break like a frightened animal,
like a child frightened, like a prisoner
who suddenly sees his chance. The mere
motion of leaving protects him,
his captors stunned. Before they can
come to, he is gone.

When you do that, even though
they bring you back to finish your term,
if just to keep on doing it
until you're dead,
you are free.





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