Earlier today, for our DP, I wasn’t in writer-mode, however my curiosity will never wane, and I found this beautiful poem called Freedom, which fitted the bill. It’s about the freedom of travel.

Before that I had looked around for some info to give the poet credit, not having come across the name before.

I found nothing other than this poem had been published in a poetry magazine in America in 1918

A lady and visionary called Harriet Munroe had this open-door policy where writers were encouraged to send in their work to her. She must have liked this poem sent to her, and she published it. But that’s all there is.

I have spent hours this afternoon digging deep with AI. Despite all the scenarios I presented, it came up with nothing.

I’d like to honour this poet once more by posting the poem again…. Freedom by Olive Runner.

‘Give me the long, straight road before me,

A clear, cold day with a nipping air,

Tall, bare trees to run on beside me,

A heart that is light and free from care.

Then let me go! – I care not whither

My feet may lead, for my spirit shall be

Free as the brook that flows to the river,

Free as the river that flows to the sea.’



from Poetry: A Magazine of Verse, Vol. XII, Sept 1918.