I Know Not Why The Caged Bird Screams

I Know Not Why The Caged Bird Screams

By: Ethan West

She lies inside her cage and screams

A song of sorts by end of means

Locked up for words which she had none

Locked up for nothing she had done

Innocent eyes and painted face

I saw when I upon this place

And then and then I cannot see

Why she lay there quietly

I tried and tried but could not budge

The padlocked birdcage door

I cried and cried and did not judge

She lay there now forevermore

Her beauty in this night so pure

A light of white like crystal mirror

I tried and tried to save her fate

I tried and tried to give her faith

I left that barren door unmanned

But the keys were hiding in her hand...

Author's Note

I wrote this for someone very dear to me who's going through a hard time. Please give me any feedback you can I really really appreciate it.

Reviews

[Alyssa Carlstrom]

This totally describes my life and the way it used to be, so you touched my heart. But that's my past.
I love how you said "But the keys were hiding in her hand...", it spoke truth. The keys were always in my hand, I just had to decide to let myself out. Keep up the good work! This poem is absolutely beautiful.

[ewest1220]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad that my work meant something for you and I'm thrilled you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!

[T. Logan]

With the mix of the bird and the word 'forevermore' it kind of made me think of The Raven. Not a bad thing at all; I love that. It's very sad, and is kind of telling people that things suck, but it could possibly get better.

[ewest1220]

Interesting perspective I'm glad you liked it!

[kayla]

Wow. This is very beautiful. It reminded me alot of Edgar Allen Poe. I loved the ending and the emotions within it. This was a great poem. Keep it up.

[ewest1220]

People really are connecting with this one which is awesome! Edgar Allen Poe is my favorite poet and I draw a lot of inspiration from him :)

[- - -]

The title drew me in and I'm really glad I read it it's quite amazing I'ma add it to my library :3 great job

[ewest1220]

Sweet! Thanks! I'm really glad you liked it!

[Melody]

This is AMAZING! The ending was indeed wonderful and I still cannot understand how you do this! But in the middle, specifically the 5th and 6th stanza you do an a-b-a-b pattern in the couplet. It's outstanding. I do indeed feel like your writing has an aged feeling and feels a little bit like a neater version of Edgar Allen Poe, he's my favorite poet ever, and as of right now you guys are just about even on my list of favorite authors and role models. Lol
Great job, thanks for the RR to tell me to read it!

[ewest1220]

Wow I'm really honored! Thank you so much for reading I'm really glad you liked it! And Edgar Allen Poe is my favorite author too! Thanks again for reading!

[The dark story]

it is such a beautiful poem.the theme is so pure and nice....
"
Her beauty in this night so pure
A light of white like crystal mirror"
...the way you have described her beauty is so artful..each line of this poem carries a beautiful meaning.it is touching too.though i would like to ask you something....
"I saw when I upon this place".........i think it should be."i saw when i came across this place."
but really it is a really a very great poem.....

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[Alm]

This is dark, and gripping. Especially that last line. I like how the rhyming is so effortless and graceful, seemingly not forced at all. I just wonder is that title a reference to something? Maya Angelou? I remember something called "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings." Not a subtraction though, I particularly enjoyed reading that excerpt from my english book.
-Alm

[ewest1220]

Yep I loved that story, I wanted the cage theme so I added a personal touch :) I'm thrilled you liked it thank you so much for reading!

[Alm]

it's a beautiful personal touch :)

[ewest1220]

Aww thank you!

[TheJordBaker]

very nice, love the caged bird idea, and there are some quality lines in there like 'I cried and cried and did not judge'. well done.

[ewest1220]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[Admiral Kirk]

This is very beautiful. The ending is powerful. To me, this poem tells of someone who is troubled, and locked away, distant from everyone around her, and she has the key to set herself free, but no matter how hard her loved ones try, she won't allow anyone to help her... Very powerful, clear message. Great job! Keep up the good work.

[ewest1220]

Hit the nail right on the head! Nice one! Thanks again for reading I'm glad you liked it!

[Admiral Kirk]

Cool! At least I didn't hit the hand that was holding the nail like last time... And you are quite welcome. Your work is a pleasure to read.

[ewest1220]

lol very true! Thanks!

[Admiral Kirk]

:D

[eighwoeifj]

I don't know why, but the caged bird concept is one that I love. I've actually used it myself. This poem is beautiful and I love the twist at the end.

[ewest1220]

You did? You should send me a read request so I can see it! I'm glad you liked it too thanks again for reading my work!

[eighwoeifj]

No thanks needed. I love your work.

[ewest1220]

Well thank you anyway :) it means a lot to me that you enjoy it.

[Cristina Moldoveanu]

It is sad and well expressed. So many contrasting emotions in your poem. She screams but then she is quiet. She is innocent but caged by herself. She is white in the night.

[ewest1220]

And every contradiction has some truth :) I'm really glad you liked it thank you so much for reading!