I know why the caged bird sings
to drown out the sound of silent despair
for the beautiful resonating sound it brings
remembering blue skies and fresh spring air
the caged bird sits and sings and stares

it sings for the trees and grass and worms it knows
and the twinkling lights beneath the stars
that lie beyond where it can no longer go
the caged bird sings through its stifling bars
to heal old wounds and mend old scars

over mountain tops it reigns supreme
the free bird flys and soars so high
dreaming their dreams within a dream
the caged bird walks and squawks a sigh
they know no boundaries but the sky

the free bird looks at every noise, what's there?
the caged bird sings and sings without a care

johnny dodo

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-to-maya-angelou-i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings/