Over-Hyped Freedom Poem by D.N. Rebb

The door was left open
Was it deliberate?
The small bird now confused
About this hailing gate
Afraid to exit
It hop-skips back n' forth
Let's out a chirp
What is this escape worth?
It pokes its head through the hatch
First tensely looks left,
Finally right
And puffs up his chest
His little heart
An accelerated rhythm
Concludes it's safer in here
In case that enormous cat comes
It takes a little drink
Nibbles on some dry seeds
Checks himself in the mirror
A little nap proceeds
One eye opens
And stares at the free access
Maybe just one quick trip
Snubs what his subconscious says
He flaps his feathers
In eager anticipation
And heads to the open door
Out there is a brand new nation
Doesn't think twice
Just confidently spreads his wings
And triumphantly soars
The cat in hiding, only grins
The bird is so happy
It lets out such a beautiful song
Flies from the curtain rod
How can this present moment prolong?
The cat pounces from behind the sofa
The clawed paw swats our little friend
Bright colored feathers float in the air
Don't fret, this is not where it ends
The bird is now very angry
And attacks our feline foe
Talons of an eagle
A beak that somehow grew
The cat arrogantly hisses
Then just runs from the room
The bird again finds shelter
And begins to self-groom
It checks itself out in the mirror
Half his feathers are all gone
A tear falls from his eye
Hindsight, now can't be blamed on
With little strength he has left
He grabs the metal latch with his short beak
And closes the door himself
For freedom he will never again seek