I Know Not Why The Caged Bird Screams

I Know Not Why The Caged Bird Screams

A Poem by ewest1220
"

A light of white like crystal mirror

"

I Know Not Why The Caged Bird Screams

By: Ethan West


She lies inside her cage and screams

A song of sorts by end of means


Locked up for words which she had none

Locked up for nothing she had done


Innocent eyes and painted face

I saw when I upon this place


And then and then I cannot see

Why she lay there quietly


I tried and tried but could not budge

The padlocked birdcage door


I cried and cried and did not judge

She lay there now forevermore


Her beauty in this night so pure

A light of white like crystal mirror


I tried and tried to save her fate

I tried and tried to give her faith


I left that barren door unmanned

But the keys were hiding in her hand...

© 2012 ewest1220


Author's Note

ewest1220
I wrote this for someone very dear to me who's going through a hard time. Please give me any feedback you can I really really appreciate it.

My Review

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Featured Review

This totally describes my life and the way it used to be, so you touched my heart. But that's my past.
I love how you said "But the keys were hiding in her hand...", it spoke truth. The keys were always in my hand, I just had to decide to let myself out. Keep up the good work! This poem is absolutely beautiful.

Posted 11 Years Ago


3 of 3 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Thank you so much! I'm really glad that my work meant something for you and I'm thrilled you enjoye.. read more



Reviews

With the mix of the bird and the word 'forevermore' it kind of made me think of The Raven. Not a bad thing at all; I love that. It's very sad, and is kind of telling people that things suck, but it could possibly get better.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Interesting perspective I'm glad you liked it!
Wow. This is very beautiful. It reminded me alot of Edgar Allen Poe. I loved the ending and the emotions within it. This was a great poem. Keep it up.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

People really are connecting with this one which is awesome! Edgar Allen Poe is my favorite poet an.. read more
The title drew me in and I'm really glad I read it it's quite amazing I'ma add it to my library :3 great job

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Sweet! Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it!
This is AMAZING! The ending was indeed wonderful and I still cannot understand how you do this! But in the middle, specifically the 5th and 6th stanza you do an a-b-a-b pattern in the couplet. It's outstanding. I do indeed feel like your writing has an aged feeling and feels a little bit like a neater version of Edgar Allen Poe, he's my favorite poet ever, and as of right now you guys are just about even on my list of favorite authors and role models. Lol
Great job, thanks for the RR to tell me to read it!

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Wow I'm really honored! Thank you so much for reading I'm really glad you liked it! And Edgar Alle.. read more
it is such a beautiful poem.the theme is so pure and nice....
"
Her beauty in this night so pure
A light of white like crystal mirror"
...the way you have described her beauty is so artful..each line of this poem carries a beautiful meaning.it is touching too.though i would like to ask you something....
"I saw when I upon this place".........i think it should be."i saw when i came across this place."
but really it is a really a very great poem.....

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
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Alm
This is dark, and gripping. Especially that last line. I like how the rhyming is so effortless and graceful, seemingly not forced at all. I just wonder is that title a reference to something? Maya Angelou? I remember something called "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings." Not a subtraction though, I particularly enjoyed reading that excerpt from my english book.
-Alm

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Yep I loved that story, I wanted the cage theme so I added a personal touch :) I'm thrilled you like.. read more
Alm

11 Years Ago

it's a beautiful personal touch :)
ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Aww thank you!
very nice, love the caged bird idea, and there are some quality lines in there like 'I cried and cried and did not judge'. well done.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
This is very beautiful. The ending is powerful. To me, this poem tells of someone who is troubled, and locked away, distant from everyone around her, and she has the key to set herself free, but no matter how hard her loved ones try, she won't allow anyone to help her... Very powerful, clear message. Great job! Keep up the good work.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Admiral Kirk

11 Years Ago

Cool! At least I didn't hit the hand that was holding the nail like last time... And you are quite w.. read more
ewest1220

11 Years Ago

lol very true! Thanks!
Admiral Kirk

11 Years Ago

:D
I don't know why, but the caged bird concept is one that I love. I've actually used it myself. This poem is beautiful and I love the twist at the end.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

You did? You should send me a read request so I can see it! I'm glad you liked it too thanks again.. read more
eighwoeifj

11 Years Ago

No thanks needed. I love your work.
ewest1220

11 Years Ago

Well thank you anyway :) it means a lot to me that you enjoy it.
It is sad and well expressed. So many contrasting emotions in your poem. She screams but then she is quiet. She is innocent but caged by herself. She is white in the night.

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

ewest1220

11 Years Ago

And every contradiction has some truth :) I'm really glad you liked it thank you so much for reading.. read more

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2967 Views
104 Reviews
Rating
Shelved in 10 Libraries
Added on July 19, 2012
Last Updated on July 19, 2012
Tags: Poem, Dark, Reflective, Thoughtful

Author

ewest1220
ewest1220

Columbia Falls, MT



About
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I have been featured in about 4 books, have won several contests for my work and currently have a paperback edition of my works. (Titled "A Winter Wa.. more..

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