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 claime the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldon 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 for freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the singing 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 thrill
of things unknown
but loved for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

(Written by Maya Angelou)
This is not my poem....

Bethany Williams

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/caged-bird-10/