Maya Angelou: Caged Bird
Caged Bird
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.
Discussion Questions
What was your initial reaction to the poem? Which words or specific images stood out to you?
Angelou invokes the caged bird as a metaphor for slavery and oppression. How does this seemingly simple metaphor expand your understanding?
The free bird “dares to claim the sky” and “names the sky his own.” What do these lines communicate about power? How might that relate to medicine?
What does the caged bird’s singing represent to you?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“I've been mulling over "bars of rage." First I thought this was the rage of the caged bird, but then it struck me it's coming from those who caged the bird. I thought of immigrants in detention, in cages, anger directed at them & the parallels across minority groups.” — @AltafSaadiMD
“What sticks out at me is birds typically do not build cages around themselves. Someone/thing/thought/group made it. How did the bird get in the cage? So what are the forces that built the cage/oppression?” — @Morris_Glr
“It’s such a powerful metaphor, particularly with the contrast made with the free bird, who “leaps,” “floats,” “dares,” “thinks,” and “names the sky his own.” The idea that the caged bird can’t even think really stands out to me” — @UREssien
“The caged bird is still a bird however there have been numerous attempts to stifle its spirit and to make it less than. Despite this, the bird still has dreams and sings of freedom. Illustrates the unbreakable spirit of those who are enslaved. Reminds me of their humanity” — @Ella_Noir
“The caged bird’s singing represents finding strength & joy (sing=make a joyful noise) despite inequities and using one’s VOICE even when bound/one’s power is stripped...Therein lies the caged bird’s hope and power.” — @ChavonOnumah
About this #MedHumChat
“Caged Bird” was paired with “Racism and the Off-Duty Doctor,” an essay by Dr. Sriram Shamasunder, and “A Tough Mind And A Tender Heart,” a sermon by Martin Luther King, Jr. for a #MedHumChat discussion on January 16, 2019 exploring Racism & Medicine.
We were honored to be joined by special guest Dr. Utibe R. Essien (@UREssien), an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, practicing general internist, and health services researcher with a focus on racial/ethnic health disparities. You can learn more about him here.
The pieces for this chat, along with the discussion questions, were selected by Colleen Farrell.
About the Author
Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an American poet, storyteller, writer, and civil rights activist. You can learn more about her and her work here.