The Caged Bird

I had flown under the lintel to avoid the storm’s carnage,
Little did I know, I’d find you there locked in a cage.
“You’re a Robin like me!”, I exclaimed , “We aren’t meant to be confined!”
She gave an discontented smile and replied, “Believe me, I am fine.”
“I am my master’s favourite prize, he boasts of me to guests,
He brings me food whenever I ring this bell, I must be truly blessed.
He saves me by eating the toxic fruits and feeds me the delicious seeds,
He loves me so much that he gets enraged if someone else touches me.”

I thought to myself,” If the fruits are lethal then how’s he himself alive? ”
I ask her, ” In this world of chains, without spreading wings, how do you thrive?
Don’t you miss the cool breeze of the alluring rainy dawn?
Don’t you want the taste of fresh grass seeds scattered on the lawns?
Don’t you crave for the flavour of water plunging from high fountains?
Don’t you long for the branches of trees on the northern mountains?
If I were you I would not be here a second more, you’re missing out things so many! ”
She smiled and chirped “Of all the things you just said, I have never experienced any.
But I would like to hear about the world you think I deserve,
Can you please narrate to me everyday, without sparing a thing you observe?”

A puzzled me left the window, as the storm drew to its end.
But I came back everyday to tell tales of freedom to my friend.
I told her of the winter wind, that carries us to the south,
I told her about our practices, that spread by words of mouth.
I told her of the palm trees growing on the ocean beach,
I told her when you’re free, there is nothing that’s out of reach.
Her eyes glowed up for a moment, then gloom crept as they called for help,
Suddenly out of the blue, the enraged master pounced in an attempt to skelp.
My heart shook from his growls, I saved myself somehow,
I promised myself that day, I’ll surely save her anyhow.

I waited for the next time he took her out of the cage,
I noticed where the key is kept as he bragged to men of his age.
Later that day I nipped off the key, flew back and opened the gate,
In a knight’s voice I proclaimed “Ascend my child, the world, for you, awaits!”
And she didn’t, she just stood as if chained by a spell,
She looked at me as if it’s the last, and to my disbelief, rang the bell.
The master arrived, dropped the food and charged like a hungry hawk,
I looked back one last time, as he snarled and turned the key to lock.

Now watch me spread my wings of freedom, as I fly out of your sight,
I should’ve known the day I met you,
What does a caged bird know about flight?