I Know Why
the Caged Bird Sings Poems
Poem by Maya Angelou
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
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.
- by Maya Angelou
The very idea of a bird is a symbol
and a suggestion to the poet. A bird
seems to be at the top of the scale,
so vehement and intense his life...
The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with
every grace, masters of all climes,
and knowing no bounds... how many
human aspirations are realised in
their free, holiday-lives... and how
many suggestions to the poet in
their flight and song!
- John Burroughs
God loved the birds and invented trees.
Man loved the birds and invented cages.
- Jacques Deval
A bird does not sing
because it has an answer.
It sings because it has a song.
- Chinese Proverb
ROMANTIC