Fiat Camena

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
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 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.

– Maya Angelou

Submitted by:
Meera, one of my favourite people, who says “I love this poem because it speaks a little about all of us. We wish to be the free bird soaring the endless skies, but in actuality, are mostly trapped in a cage singing of glories dreamt. I guess its time we bring down the walls that are imposed by society and ourselves and lead a freer life.”

Postscript:

Meera’s said it rather well, so not much more to say. I have plans to run a number of poems by Ms. Angelou, I’m rather fond of them.
You can read more about Maya Angelou here and here.

Tagged: defiance, freedom, gender, Maya Angelou, poignant, race