Born Free

When I see a a bird on a branch or soaring through the sky, I am reminded of the song "Born Free" and one of my favorite poems "Caged Bird" by Mya Angelou.  Of course, the bird in the poem is symbolic of the struggle of the blacks for freedom on one level, but it is also symbolic of any person who is enslaved by fear, pride, addictions or any other thing that takes over their lives.  I created this card with the poem and song in mind and I will enter it in the IO challenge "Inspired by a Song".  I used the IO die Bird on a Branch 161-N and the sentiment is from Any Time Sentiments CL 43. You can see the challenge here.
http://mitrafriant.typepad.com/impression_obsession_news/2014/05/new-io-challenge-inspired-by-a-song.html  Four days after I posted this Mya Angelou passed away.  May 28,2014.

I also included a copy of the poem.

Caged Bird

BY 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 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 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.