I Know Not Why The Caged Bird Screams

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...

Author's Note

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.

Reviews

[Alyssa Carlstrom]

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.

[ewest1220]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad that my work meant something for you and I'm thrilled you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!

[eatmills]

Loved the metaphors, the imagery was excellent and your rythm flowed in such sweet sadness. 'Nothing I could do but watch the demise.'

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm really glad you enjoyed my work thank you so much for reading!

[A love for poetry]

I left that barren door unmanned
But the keys were hiding in her hand...

I like this bit the most; the whole poem was really good, and I understood it clearly on the first read through.

I think this is the only stanza that discontinued the rhythm and flow... but still very good overall.

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm really glad you liked my poem Issak thank you so much for reading!

[Seyi Ojenike]

The poem expresses feelings that are felt by the poet through skillful use of words, making the reader get involved in the emotional issues. Nice one

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[Mariah Corey]

i love it when it said "I tried and tried to save her fate, I tried and tried to give her faith" It reminds me of when i tried to help my friend but it never worked. My friend had to help herself, i couldn't help her. Anyway i love it. :D

[ewest1220]

Wow I'm really glad you liked it! Thanks!

[Mariah Corey]

np, it was my pleasure. :D

[Cascara (aka Sprint Goe..]

this is a very deep write- and the last line is amazing!

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it!

[Shelley Holt-Lowrey]

This is truly a beautiful write. It speaks so well to that same struggle we all have, yet never admit to. Move forward or stay in that which is familiar and safe? All I know have lived this, yet so few admit it until after it is done. You illustrated it very well. Thank you for the RR.

[ewest1220]

Wow thank you so much! I'm really thrilled you enjoyed my work thank you so much for reading!

[quixotic_rose]

oooo, this is almost like a sick little twist, one who wants to free the caged, yet the caged holds their own freedom in their hands. very nice I liked it!

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it!

[Missy]

Wow, nice. I wish I could write a poem with such a message. I really like it.

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it!

[The Analog Kid]

This made me think of that line from the Eagles' song "Already Gone." Flowed nicely with good rhyme throughout.

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[MOON]

Lovely poignant write, we all have the keys to our own freedom, we might lean on someone as a crutch but eventually we need to walk alone. You are a special friend.

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm really glad you enjoyed this piece thank you so much for reading!