Home » Poems » Eileen Manassian » His Song and Mine

His Song and Mine

Sympathy

BY PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR

I know what the caged bird feels, alas!
    When the sun is bright on the upland slopes;   
When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,   
And the river flows like a stream of glass;
    When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,   
And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—
I know what the caged bird feels!

I know why the caged bird beats his wing
    Till its blood is red on the cruel bars;   
For he must fly back to his perch and cling   
When he fain would be on the bough a-swing;
    And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars   
And they pulse again with a keener sting—
I know why he beats his wing!

I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
    When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,—
When he beats his bars and he would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
    But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,   
But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings—
I know why the caged bird sings!


Why Do I Write?

You ask me why I sing?
You ask me why I write?
You ask me why I bleed?
What choice have I besides?

I long to fly, to run away
To some safe haven just to play
To see the light of blessed day
And give my longing heart full sway

I want to grasp the star and moon
And live my life; t'will end too soon
And kiss the clouds up in the sky
But here am I, what choice have I?

Why do I sing?
Why do I cry?
Why write of pain
No lullaby?
What choice have I?

I want with zeal to be adored
And I want Fame there at my door
I want IT ALL and so much more
Tell me, is anything for sure?

Why so I beat my wing?
I was born to soar…

Eileen Manassian Ghali

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Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 8/3/2014 12:22:00 PM

Dear Eileen, many of us write to escape the dreariness of everyday life. It's a wonderful way to take magical journeys with our pens. Indeed, you were "born to soar." Thank you for your kindness. Hugs, Carolyn

Robert Lindley

Date: 8/2/2014 11:21:00 AM

I have something to say about this very fine write my friend. I see both poems as very fine writes and examples of true poet's heart , spirit and longings. A poet can do no better than this IMHO. pm on the way...

Mustapha Mohammed

Date: 8/2/2014 7:34:00 AM

What a write! This was indeed a joy to peruse Eileen. 5 stars all the way.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/2/2014 9:54:00 AM

Thank you, my dear Mustapha....Always a joy to have you visit.

Tiaua M Ioane

Date: 8/1/2014 3:37:00 AM

Wow!! this here is a great presentation my dear friend Eileen, the art of blending great minds in your quest for answers. Alofas, Tiaua

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/1/2014 5:26:00 AM

Thank you, Tiaua...I did read your lovely poem about the waves...the way you wrote it was so fantastic...gave the feeling of waves crashing down...couldn't post a comment. My loptop is dying and my phone is giving me a hard time. I'm in the office after classes trying to catch up. Thanks for your visit! Hugs

Jslambert Mister Roboto

Date: 7/31/2014 8:09:00 PM

think I understand what's going on here.

Jslambert Mister Roboto
Date: 8/2/2014 10:25:00 AM

Thank you Eileen.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/2/2014 9:57:00 AM

The poem is one of my favorites. I've always liked it because I feel that some point all of us feel like a caged bird. My poem was sparked by something I read here recently. We get inspired by our fellow poets...and what they write. Sometimes even writing poems of response....as you have done as well. So, yes. Something did spark this off. That is the truth....I wasn't keen on sharing, but you did ask. There is your response. Have a good day.

Jslambert Mister Roboto
Date: 8/1/2014 7:33:00 AM

I was trying not to assume. It's just that I am not well at reading and comprehension. I think it was a duo or collaboration write, but I was hoping maybe you'd elaborate for me. Jessie usually reads them for me aloud, and for this one I didn't have that luxury. Now I am really confused by your response below. So, not to be a pain in the behind, but, could you elaborate on both, when you have time. (the poem and the reply) Thank you Eileen.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/1/2014 5:26:00 AM

Remember what we said about assumptions? Thanks for the visit, JS.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 7/31/2014 2:15:00 PM

A beautiful poem by P.L .Dunbar dear Eileen,and the answer just as beautiful.I love the message in the end..Lets beat our wings and soar.One reason I love flying ..Yes its cause flying gives me that feeling 'of being'.Just like a bird..Flying freely between heaven and earth,even if in a plane.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/1/2014 5:27:00 AM

OH...I dream of flying...it's so real...and liberating....and at times scary! I'll fly one day! Heaven awaits!

Moein Jr

Date: 7/31/2014 2:01:00 PM

Great as always :) Thanks Eilieen!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/1/2014 5:27:00 AM

Moein...Thank YOU for visiting! :)

Nette Onclaud

Date: 7/31/2014 1:44:00 PM

your poetic response is simply stunning, Eileen... soar on; splendid!.. huggs

Eileen Manassian
Date: 8/1/2014 5:28:00 AM

Thanks, Nette! One of my all time favorite poems...It SO tugs at my heart! So...deep! Maya Angelou also did a poem on this. It seems to be a shared sentiment for many!