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REMEMBERING THE KING







I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
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.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Cheryl,
    Has there ever been a greater dream than Martin Luther King Jr.'s? Never has there been a more inspired speech, or a life more worthy of celebrating.
    I met Maya Angelou a few years ago when we spoke together at a writer's conference.
    She is one amazing soul, that gal. Her speech impacted me deeply.
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  2. He was a wise man indeed and spoke with such powerful words. I don't believe there have been many others since him that speak with such determination!
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  3. MLK was one of the great prophets of our time, along with Indira Ghandi, Mother Theresa to name a few and his speech is immortal as truth never fades. Angelou is an amazing woman. It's wonderful you had an opportunity to meet her. Perhaps, one day I may be so fortunate. By the way, "gal" is not an offensive word in and of itself but I must point out that its use in context is important b/c the word does have a negative connotation behind it. In light of the situation here I am obligated to point out that "gal" was a popular derogatory term once widely use towards black women to denote her perceived inferiority. It was widely used during slavery by white Southerners. Debra, I trust that you meant well so I am not accusing you; only informing b/c it is possible you did not know this. Shalom.
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  4. I only call those dear to me gal, and had no idea of the history of the word. I hope that in the context of my sentence you knew I meant it as an endearment rather than an insult:)
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  5. I've seen many of these posts yesterday and today and this has to be my favourite so far. Very simply but also very nicely and effectively put together.
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  6. I only wish he could have finished his mission. What would have been the course of society today!
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  7. I must be honest I had not heard or read that beautiful yet disturbing and truthful verse.

    Thank you Cheryl and thanks that there was a MLK!

    Cheers
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