Birdcage Poem by Linda Marie Van Tassell

I stare out into the blue perfection of sky,
my gilded cage sheltering me and my heart.
I marvel at the others, wondering how they fly
without the fear of the wind tearing their wings apart.

I have long been afraid to venture outside,
petrified that I would be flattened on the ground.
Yet, I soar freely and wonderfully deep inside
and have no fear of flying in the glory I've found.

The world, however, is not quite the same.
It prepares no cushioned landing to capture a fall;
and though I desperately wish that blue sky claim,
I cannot bring my little wings to fly at all.

I embrace my fears, veiled with pretty flowers
and magnificent paintings that everyone can see;
and no one can tell that I cry in the showers
that fall freely from the sky onto me.

I want to change and shake my impulse to stay.
I long to go where the others have dared to go.
I don't want to stay in this cage another day
to watch my dreams dwindle in the hands of woe.

Dear Heart!   Fly off into that big blue yonder,
let yourself soar heaven high and free.
Do not turn back, nor fear, nor wonder...
do not think that you are hurting me.

My gilded cage has now fallen into decay.
It has no power no longer to hold me inside.
The bars have been broken and thrown away.
I now spread my wings in pride.