Just a week ago whilst I was meditating at sunrise on my Greek holiday I was blessed to be joined by this delightful swallow...
We met at the same time every morning for the whole week, we'd sit quietly together for 20 minutes whilst the sun rose out of the sea and she'd click and sing for a few minutes more before she swooped to join her feathered sisters. Watching the swallows and feeling my sense of holiday freedom, I thought of my female teachers which of course included Maya Angelou and her book "I know why the caged bird sings".
The first edition of her first book was being produced just as I was learning to take my first early steps into the world, and now as an adult female, working with women guiding them to a deeper more empowered state, I appreciate even more her true grit, her gentle but empowered determination and most of all her love.
Reading Maya's teachings and following her energy has been a huge catalyst for me realising and valuing my own worth.
For her, I will be eternally grateful xx
Caged Bird BY MAYA ANGELOU
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
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 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.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and 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.
