Maya Angelou (4 April 1928)

captivating, you cant help but like this poem

Natasha I think you are spot on with your comment I strongly agree with you. This could actually fit as lyrics to a Bob Marley song. Right on Sister Maya! Power to the minority.

Its been a long time coming! ! ! !

this poem leads me to think of an enslaved african.......... what says u ppl? what comes to mind when reading this poem? ? ? ?

Background knowledge about any subject will hinder the ignorant critic. As they say, 'It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.'

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the 1969 autobiography about the early years of African-American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a six-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. In the course of Caged Bird, Maya transforms from a victim of racism with an inferiority complex into a self-possessed, dignified young woman capable of responding to prejudice.

I don't think she meant it literally, like many interpret it to be. Many people are held victim to circumstance or the vicissitudes of life and can no longer find the will to make it past the threshold. They are caged birds in mind and spirit, thus trapped within their reality.

I think it is time for 'Doctor' Angelou to mature spiritually and accept responsibility for creating her own reality.

From every bird cage and every prison cell the desire of freedom reside. Excellently expressed

To Don Maker: I think MA is saying she knows why the caged bird sings, as well. Your comments are cynical in my opinion and narrow.

Dear Maya, We have kindred kind spirits for Birds, My having never forgotten my mother hand feeding her feathered friends from a small 4th story window-sill. I have some small, medium and large back yard bird feeders. No Caste conflict be tolerated. I even have a Squirrel enclosed feeder where there is no need to steel from their bird friends. Love Doves prove their Love, they share with all whom are smaller, without greed. Your poem for them is exquisite. I feel though, that maybe they sing of freedom or for their birth right for it.? Did you know that there are some minor typos to be edited, I am a nit picker so please know that it's possible through the Manage Comments tool bar. I've made this poem one of my favorites. Ratings are impossible to judge anything from heart and not a 1-10 fickle head.
Thanx, ...louie

What an inspiring piece of writing. The caged bird sings remind me of the struggle against apartheid in South africa. The caged bird is similar to the lawfully oppressed people who found their voice through music and dance. It is through this music and dance that apartheid was dismantled. The free bird leaps on the back of the win and floats downstream till the current ends and dips...