Course

Vasquez-Valarezo Poetry contest

Document Type

Creative Writing

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Description, Abstract, or Artist's Statement

In the last year or so I've been thinking a lot about the promise of freedom and what it means to live in a "free country" particularly around issues of how freedom of speech is used and often abused in our society. Considering the theme of "voice of freedom" I wanted to explore how speech could both strengthen and weaken freedom. This poem is my attempt to explore the messy realities of freedom and speech and express a glimmer of hope for the future.

Comments

3rd Place Winner, 2026