Sunday Snapshots: Sunday Roses And Caged Birds
As I was editing photos for this Sunday Snapshots I couldn’t get a poem out of my head. The poem is written by Maya Angelou, and is called “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”. I know these rose photos have nothing to do with the poem, but it’s what I’m loving tonight. So enjoy the poem, enjoy the photos, and have a great Sunday.
(I probably don’t have to say this but, the poem isn’t literally about caged birds. It is about racism, oppression and segregation. To me it is also about setting yourself free, going after your dreams regardless of the things that try to hold you back. )
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
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 fearful trill
of the 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
an 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.
Poem by Maya Angelou, source
P.S.
Tomorrow I have a very special guest for you. Please come back and read her interview.
Lovely clicks! Romantic and somehow melancholic.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thank you Rosa!
Oh Nancy that is so sad…… but your photos are beautiful… hasn’t the yellow popped out!.
Thanks Tania:)
Love the photos!
The poem is nice, but too sad….
I will just take the last peak at your roses and hope I’ll dream about something as beautiful :-). Good night, or I guess for you, have a lovely day :-)
Hi Elana,
Thank you. The poem is sad but I also take some positive from it. To me it is also about setting yourself free, going after your dreams regardless of the things that try to hold you back.
You know what?? These days I looks forward to your Sunday snap shot posts. This is one of your best posts Nancy. I loved the photographs and the poem :)
Hi Nandita,
Thank you so much :)
Beautiful Nancy, I love everything about it! Looking forward to your latest interview;-)
Thank you Patty:)
Beautiful photos and post! One of my most favorite poems of all time!
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend my friend…big hugs!
Very cool Nancy
Thank you Sandra!
So beautiful in every way. Thank you for sharing both the beloved poem and your incredible photos.
Muchas gracias Victoria!
Have always loved yellow roses: these are photographed so beautifully! Am lucky to live in the country: birdsong awakens me [even if it is the raucous kookaburra!] and puts me to sleep – don’t think I could bear them caged any more . . . .
Thanks Eha!
Perchance one should read a post from the beginning? Perchance one should put one’s mind in gear away from the hurry and the ‘scurry’! Understand and appreciate this both ways . . .
Lol :)
What a beautifully written poem. Maya is so talented and it comes from her heart. Your photos of the brilliant yellow rose represent some of the sadness of the poem in that the rose has been cut from the plant and is free now but will die soon.
Isn’t it Suzanne :) Aw thanks for helping me look at the photos in the way you have.
beautiful photos, beautiful poem. thanks for the nice moment.
Thank you Anna
Love Maya. This is one of my faves. Thanks for posting this. Snapped me right out of my mood tonight and puts life in perspective. xx
Oh, that is so great to read. Yay for Maya and her moving words:) xx
Your pictures are stunning!
Thank you Lilly:)
I didn’t know Maya before but thanks for sharing this very powerful poem. And your photography is so beautiful. It reminds me that I need to study more…. yeah…one day…someday…. ugh.. =P
Hi Nami,
I think once you read a Maya Angelou poem you’ll be hooked. Your photography is beautiful, but I like that you want to keep learning. We should never stop learning. Haha, time yeah:)