Bird in the Cage

Ed Riederich 1974 (United States)



BIRD IN THE CAGE

Don't be the bird in the cage
Staring at the open door with your eyes
Go through the curtain on the stage

To fly, the risk you can gauge
But risk or not you must fly
Don't be the bird in the cage

Don't be hindered because of your age
Into fear you must not buy
Go through the curtain on the stage

Yes men will hate and fools will rage
You can't waste your time asking why
Don't be the bird in the cage

To the next chapter, turn the page
Sadly, some never do and then die
Go through the curtain on the stage

Your calling is more than a wage
You were predestined to soar high
Don't be the bird in the cage
Go through the curtain on the stage
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Written on March 01, 2021

Submitted by What_Ed_Said on June 26, 2021

Modified by What_Ed_Said on June 26, 2021

42 sec read
159

Quick analysis:

Scheme a AxA abA abA abA abA abAA
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 637
Words 137
Stanzas 7
Stanza Lengths 1, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4

Discuss the poem "Bird in the Cage" with the community...

6 Comments
  • Katelyns_Poems
    You should post more poems on your account!!
    LikeReply2 years ago
  • Katelyns_Poems
    This is seriously so good!! I just read it again and am absolutely mesmerized by how beautiful and powerful it is!
    LikeReply2 years ago
  • UJ
    For me it's unique. I have not see this poem format before. What is this format called? It makes me want to see if I can do this also. Free Verse was fun maybe this will be also.
    LikeReply 22 years ago
    • What_Ed_Said
      Hey thanks! The format is called a Villanelle. The rhyming pattern is challenging but fun to write.
      LikeReply2 years ago
  • lightsong
    I like most the fourth verse because it's very true, many waste their times on asking whys and comparing theirselves to others. each individual is different from the other, we all walk the same rood (life) but our paths and ways are different. Thank You for sharing your wisdom my friend. 
    LikeReply 22 years ago
  • ScreamingTiger#2021
    I enjoyed this one very much! good thought!
    Melita

    mcw
    LikeReply 12 years ago
  • KatieR
    Exemplary! Excellent! Fantastic! Brilliant! Genius! Amazing! Eloquent! Wonderful! Great!
    LikeReply 32 years ago

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"Bird in the Cage" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/103621/bird-in-the-cage>.

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