I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I am so thankful my white birds can live in a spacious loft home -- a home they have a burning desire always to return to. They have room to fly at will. And then, when we open up the lofts, or they are released, they fly joyfully, freely, into the sky, to "dip their wings into the orange sun rays."


So, though I deeply embrace the symbolism behind Maya Angelou's beautiful words, I take them not only figuratively, but literally... I feel the hope behind them as the caged bird sings... and also the beauty of the truth and significance in comparing experiences with the human soul to the desires of, and heights that can be reached, by birds of flight.


~I know why the caged bird sings~

by Maya Angelou

The free bird leaps
On the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
His wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.


The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.