I remember the first time that I read Maya Angelou's Poem 'I know Why the Caged Bird Sing'; it took me a while to truly understand what the poem was saying. The poem can be interpreted to mean a few different things. This poem was my introduction into poetry. Shortly after reading this poem; I began writing poetry and short stories to get out all the feelings that I couldn't share with other people. It's been a while since I've actually sat down to write a poem and I really miss it.....
I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings
By: Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wing in the orange suns 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 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. 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.
I was driving to work the other day and this poem just popped into my head. Lately, I have felt like a caged bird. I feel like my wings have been clipped and I can not fly. I haven't felt like myself lately. There are so many things that I long to do. There are several things in my life right now that are preventing me from being a free bird and living out my dreams.
These are the things that I am determined to change this year. This will be the year that I regain myself again and become truly happy instead of pretending to be happy. Pretending to be happy is easy but it is not satisfying.
Is there a poem that strikes a chord with you?
