Phoenix On the Farm
Once I was a bird behind bars,
Helplessly watching, never reaching the stars,
Which only someone free could touch,
For me, the cage was all I clutched.
Until one day I came to see,
The bars you made were allowed by me.
My courage swelled, strengthened my core,
I will not be held captive anymore.
Months went by, don't give a damn;
I wanted to know who I really am.
Deep down within I felt a fire,
Ambition burned with fierce desire.
And so my spirit was aroused,
And though the world would have it doused,
My fire now burns strong and bright,
And it shall burn right through the night.
I won't again follow the flock,
Travelling to our slaughter like livestock.
I'm not like them I've realized,
They can't accept me, can't empathize.
But what to do from day to day?
I've just met me, and I'm here to stay,
Your many rules I cannot keep,
Your systems were designed for sheep.
But of the ashes I was born,
My transformation leaves me torn.
For grounded I was ever before,
Though I know I can, I hesitate to soar.
While great heights are my destiny,
It means I must leave behind all familiarity.
And so, the barns they fade away,
The sheep and butcher are there to stay.
My spirit swells into my chest,
I surge with strength, from tail to crest,
My voice booms throughout the eve,
I reach great speeds they can't conceive.
You want once more to capture me,
Try as you might, I still remain free.
I alone may build my pyre,
Control mechanisms will make you tire.
I'll break your barriers bit by bit,
My potential is bounded as I see fit.
My secret is, I must confess,
The reality is I'm limitless.
Copyright © Elaine Ho | Year Posted 2016
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