Trauma stories, behaviourism & symbolism in art (PART ONE)I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

The free bird leaps on the back of the wind

And floats downstream till the current ends

And dips his wings 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 fearful trill

Of the things unknown but longed for still

And his tune is heard in 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 fearful trill

Of the things unknown but longed for still

And his tune is heard on the distant hill

For the caged bird sings of freedom