~ The Cage ~

I stare beyond at the open spaces
that exist between the bars.
My colors once alive and radiant
now dimmed by artificial light
My voice once filled with song
silenced.



Captured.
Held too long inside this cell.
My soul confined.
I am still.
Joyful no more.




Day passes after endless day
without change.
No escape in sight
No way to end my turmoil.




Faces used to glow
from my cheerful songs.
Now they only mirror anger
because I no longer bring them joy.
The songbird without a song
a heart lost,
unable to utter a lone note.



A friendly breeze rustles the latch,
with the first rays of light.
My door cracks open just enough.
Long confined by these heavy bars,
I stretch my tattered wings,
And break forth into the air
and freedom.

No longer held against my will
contained.
Never again a prisoner.
I dance with other carefree spirits on the wind
in a celebration of life.

As I discover the dawn,
the song returns to my heart
My wings unfold in the new day’s sun.
now resplendent, glowing.
My soul reborn.
Alive,
I fly to greet the new world.