Remember Why the Caged Bird Flew: a Tribute To Maya Angelou

The caged bird utters bemused tweet
ignorant to the truth, yet aware of deceit.
It wishes to die
for its life is a lie
he's condemned to his feet
when he's made for the sky.

Spent all his known life
confined to a cage
his protest unheeded, fell silent with rage.
But once in a while
he sounds painful trill
for desires unknown 
but longed for still

Gone are the days of somber songs
a new wrathful melody
seeks right for the wrong.
Seeks an end to his squalor, 
endured for so long
he dares for the sky, 
where he knows he belongs

His futile hollers abound dusk till dawn
until owner, fed up
checks to see what is wrong
Cranky,
enraged, 
owners not slept for days
screams "shut the ****! up" 
as bars violently shake.

But in callous fury, 
he makes crucial mistake
for unhinged and open is the door of the cage.
Now caged bird is free,
he flies to the sill
ambitions unknown
but his own to fulfill
former owner
dumbstruck,
some tears well in his eye
he desperately pleads
"Oh sweet bird come inside".
Turns and shits on the offer
for he would much rather die
with the world at his feet, 
he takes to the sky.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Agustin Avatar
June 18, 2024 at 7:46 AM
Thanks for sharing this... exposing your thoughts through your unique poetic style. Meanwhile, I greet you with the love of the Lord, expressed by John 3:16 of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Be blessed.
A   Avatar
February 7, 2016 at 2:20 PM
Eugene Yeboah, Enjoyed the way you expressed every line. Please keep writing and sharing your poetry. LOVE LINDA
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace