THE UNCAGED BIRD

THE UNCAGED BIRD
(For Maya Angelou)

Sometimes we read
because we cannot not, because we need
to find that one story, one friend
one note of truth

Sometimes a young girl, repeatedly abused
hides
“I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”
under her mattress

And keeps on living because
she takes it out after he has gone
and talks to Maya, who understands