Saturday, May 24, 2014

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.