 Maya
Angelou indubitably is one of the most influential voices
of contemporary black literature of our time. As an author,
poet, historian, songwriter, and playwright, she is best
known for her autobiographical books and her volumes of
poetry.
Dr.
Angelou’s personal motivation behind her poignant poem “I
Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is creatively veiled
in familiar imagery, which allows each reader to arrive
at his or her own interpretation of the wind, and cage,
and
sky. This freedom of interpretation rises up to meet the
freedom that her caged bird sings about. No element
is lost in this favored poem.
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.
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