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.

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.

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.

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

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

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.