Running Away: Poems of Escape and Liberation

Running away has always been a topic that captivates our imagination, evoking feelings of freedom, adventure, and the search for a better existence. It is a theme that has inspired countless poets throughout history, allowing them to explore the complexities of human desires, dreams, and the allure of escaping the mundane. In this article, we will delve into a collection of poems that beautifully encapsulate the spirit of running away, taking us on an introspective journey of self-discovery and liberation.

Poem 1: "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Robert Frost's timeless masterpiece, "The Road Not Taken," explores the concept of choices and the impact they have on our lives. The poem's narrator contemplates a fork in the road, symbolizing the divergent paths one can take in life. By choosing the less conventional path, the speaker embraces the idea of running away from societal expectations and embarks on a personal journey towards self-discovery.

Poem 2: "The Runaway" by Robert Frost

"Once when the snow of the year was beginning to fall,
We stopped by a mountain pasture to say, 'Whose colt?'
A little Morgan had one forefoot on the wall,
The other curled at his breast. He dipped his head
And snorted at us. And then he had to bolt."

Another compelling poem by Robert Frost, "The Runaway," portrays the essence of escaping from the confines of society. In this piece, Frost captures a moment when a wild horse, known for its independent nature, seeks to break free from human captivity. The poem serves as a metaphor for the innate desire within us to run away from societal norms and expectations, to embrace our untamed essence, and to embark on our own path to freedom.

Poem 3: "The Clearing" by Jacqueline Woodson

"I think about running away.
I think about running away a lot."

Jacqueline Woodson's brief but powerful poem, "The Clearing," encapsulates the longing for escape and the yearning for freedom that often consume our thoughts. With sparse but impactful words, Woodson captures the essence of a restless soul yearning to break free from the chains of everyday life. The poem serves as a reminder that running away can be both a physical and emotional journey, where finding solace in the unknown becomes a form of self-discovery.

Poem 4: "The Great Escape" by Langston Hughes

"I dream a world where man
No other man will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth
And peace its paths adorn.
I dream a world where all
Will know sweet freedom's way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul
Nor avarice blights our day."

In Langston Hughes' poem, "The Great Escape," the renowned poet paints a vivid picture of a utopian society where all forms of oppression and prejudice cease to exist. This powerful piece explores the idea that running away can extend beyond personal liberation; it can also encompass the desire to escape the societal constraints that hinder the progress of humanity. Hughes' words inspire us to dream of a world where running away becomes a collective journey towards equality, love, and freedom.

Through these poems, we witness the allure of running away, the yearning for liberation, and the desire to break free from the ordinary. From Frost's contemplation of divergent paths to Woodson's succinct expression of longing, and Hughes' vision of a utopian society, these poems remind us that running away can be a powerful metaphor for both personal and societal transformation. So, whether we physically escape or find solace in our imaginations, may we always be inspired to explore the possibilities that lie beyond the horizon, running away towards a life of freedom and self-realization.