Post #2 - Your Favorite Writing

I Know Why The Caged 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.


This well-known poem by Maya Angelou has always stood out to me every time I have encountered it in my various English and/or writing classes.  She writes about a free bird and a caged bird, which represents the free white man versus the enslaved black man in the days of racial segregation.  I like it because of its graceful flow and literal rhythm when speaking it aloud.  It makes use of beautiful metaphors such as "leaps on the back of the wind", "bars of rage", and "stands on the grave of dreams."  In addition, her use of adjectives such as "orange sun rays" and "fearful trill" give distinct pictures and conjure the actual emotions of the bird itself, which is the imprisoned slave.  The imagery is powerful and the main message of the poem is inspiring as well.  Angelou is encouraging the slaves to "sing" and have hope. Even though they are caged, they must never surrender their spirit and their internal freedom to dream.  Just because their body is enslaved does not mean their mind cannot be free.  I believe this message of hope and perseverance is still relevant today.  I think the combination of beautiful imagery, powerful metaphors, and a timeless inspirational message makes this a great piece of writing.