Caged Bird Poem by Maya Angelou
Caged Bird
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
You will forever be remembered. A caged bird that lies 6feet but still sings a shrill song. The sky is yours to claim.
This poem has been my all-time favorite. It was the way she and all her people felt and faced the discrimination of blacks and whites.
A masterful work of art by a literary icon of monumental proportion.
'his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream' ....maybe 'out', not on? : )
Strangely, I was just minutes ago thinking of Maya A. Very strange! ! ! I'd guess her 'caged bird' refers to anyone person who is 'caged' in some way, emotionally, physically, or whatever. Or mayber she IS just speaking of birds? ! ! bri ;)
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
6/4/2023 11:55:48 PM # 1.0.0.1113
Maya, You are now a Free Bird African Queen, Afro-American Queen, American Queen, Black Queen, You are now free, you have escaped, You are now crowned, phenomenally draped, And beautifully coiffed as a famous Poet, Great Lecturer, Mother, Lover, Activist, Fighter, Doctor, Nurturer, Philanthropist, Philosopher, Engineer of rhymes, and Architect Of simple, complicated and powerful words, Those are as sharp as our ancestors’ swords. You had everything that an amazing woman Wanted to possess: pride, confidence, elegance, Style, bravery, wit, intelligence, humility and patience. You inspired kings, queens, intellectuals and laymen. You were, without a doubt, a phenomenal woman, A special woman that men and women admired. You feared nobody: the racist, the confused, and the liar. You feared nothing: weather, water, sand, soil and fire. However, you loved everybody: the sick, the weak, and the tired; The poor, the homeless, the brave, and the strong. Maya, you are now a free bird, please sing the song. You have opened the cage, like a bird, you are now free. Spread your wings to shower the world with wisdom, Love, passion, comprehension, tolerance and liberty. Hum again and sing again the beautiful song of freedom. African Queen, Afro-American Queen, American Queen, Black Queen, You have left a phenomenal legacy, You will be remembered until eternity. Copyright© May 28,2014 Logerie Hébert, All Rights Reserved
Verbose!
SCHADE! The great poetess just died on the 28th May 2014 and you wrote this after that day, so very pity, I have known her personally and have met her in the USA, she IS a very loving person and with so much humor
Only such a beautiful comment could do justice to such a subject.