BY AMR ABDUR RASHEED

Author’s Note: This poem was influenced initially by Maya Angelou’s famous writing. After some research, I learned that “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” was actually inspired by the poem titled “Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906). The original provided great guidance for how I chose to structure my own poem. I recommend that you review the original “Sympathy” poem prior to reading my version. 

I dream of what the free bird feels
What I wouldn’t give to be able to breeze away & take flight
To stretch my wings & use the winds to escape my plight
Their songs serve as a soundtrack to my morning routine
Before the light of dawn they arise; taunting me
Their presence, at first, is a reminder of what life could be
Over time, the sight of them frustrates the hell out of me
Why bird… why not go and be free?

There are no bars to prevent you from beating your wings
No cage to limit where you could go or what you could see
The Creator has gifted you with an enviable ability
Somehow you are here stuck singing to me
Do you not see the irony?
To be free as a bird; behind the walls of a prison
Why bird…why not go and be free?

I can’t help but to take it personally
Day after Day, Month after Month, Year after Year; you are here
Singing the same ol’ song
Your carols no longer offer comfort nor joy
Only hate, as you waste away flying in circles,
You feed eagerly on the scraps of the oppressed
Then have the nerve to defecate on those caught in this mess
Create offspring who’ll know nothing but the dregs of this nest
I scream at your songs & pray for your leave
Why free bird? Why not go & be free!