Maya Angelou
(April 4, 1928 - May 28, 2014)
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun 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 fearful trill
of the 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.
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun 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 fearful trill
of the 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.
~ Maya Angelou
_______________________
Thank you for your inspiration, Sister Maya. Congratulations on a life well lived and spiritual gifts realized, built upon and liberally shared. Your life of intention serves as a mentoring guide to many--including me.
And now as you rest, amazement awaits. May you continue to beat your wing and sing your song high in the heavens forever more.
Amen.
***
Happy Wednesday. Are you aware of your gifts? Are you using them?
The classic, of course, that all colored girls have recited in their mirrors . . . . .
. . .unless, of course, they were reciting this one instead. . . .
An absolutely outstanding word from the wise Ms. Angelou. . . .
. . .and this. . . .amazement awaits.
****
Ms. Maya? Girlfriend, you DID that. This song playing on my mental iPod is just for you. Well done, good and faithful servant.
A fabulous tribute for a life well lived.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you sharing your thoughts and the videos about the powerful Maya Angelou. Her book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, is the book that transitioned me from child books to adult books. I was fortunate to hear her speak several years ago - and the energy from the audience was almost unbearably intense due to the sheer amount of joy and love and gratitude pulsating throughout the building.
ReplyDeleteI feel strong and capable, because of my actions and decisions, and supported by the words of many lovely writers, including Maya Angelou. And including you, dear Grady Doctor, reflecting to each of us as a mirror!
Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you! May Dr. Angelou rest in peace-Her legacy will live on!
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