Variations on ‘Caged Bird’

 
Each little poem-breath begins with a phrase purloined from Maya Angelou’s “Caged Bird.” Maya Angelou died on 28 May 2014.
 

 
~~ 1 ~~
 
On the grave of dreams
place a thousand paving stones—
let no wraiths escape.
 
~~ 2 ~~
 
the fat worms waiting
as the tractor keeps plowing—
hundred-acre field
 
~~ 3 ~~
 
on the distant hill
a fireworks launch at bedtime
children ooh and ah
 
~~ 4 ~~
 
the back of the wind
carrying a pungent scent
through my open door
 
~~ 5 ~~
 
with a fearful trill
and flapping of sturdy wings
cormorant nabs fish
 
~~ 6 ~~
 
Through the sighing trees
a lean and fluid roebuck
flees the hunter’s bow.
 
~~ 7 ~~
 
Till the current ends,
I have no need to propel
my raft with a pole.
 
~~ 8 ~~
 
He opens his throat,
spilling out jovial notes,
gracing all who hear.
 
~~ 9 ~~
 
Through his bars of rage
he glimpses freedom’s terrain—
one breath out of reach.
 
~~ 10 ~~
 
In the orange sun
seven crows chase each other,
crying raucously.
 
~~ 11 ~~
 
of another breeze
piping countless melodies—
why the caged bird sings

 
© 2014 by Magical Mystical Teacher
 
 
More Poetry Pantry #204
 
More The Sunday Whirl, Wordle 163