I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Haggadah Section: Yachatz

Caged Bird

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 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

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