MY heart is like a prisoned bird That frets its wings without avail; Its joyous song no more is heard That gladdened every hill and dale. It flutters here and there, and chirps A note half-hearted and distressed; It beats its head, which only serves To mar the beauty of its crest. Impatient of confinement drear, Its mournful lay is sad to hear. My heart is like a tender plant That gropes along a basement wall; Its tendrils, like long slender arms, Reach impotently forth—to fall; Its pallid leaves, and fragile stem, Its droopiug form—all pine for light; Within those gloomy walls encased, Where noonday sun is semi-night, It withers for the sight of day, And breathes its life in sighs away. Uncage the bird, like arrow swift From bended bow, it wings its flight; And in the heaven's ethereal blue Its prison home is lost to sight. As down the glen is often heard A bubbling streamlet's joyous notes, So on the air, from throat of bird, A strain of heavenly music floats. Its gratitude is sweetly trilled, O bird, your mission is fulfilled! Transport the plant, and let it grow Where sunshine may its branches warm, And let the healthful breezes blow, And night dews kiss its blighted form— A bloom appears by magic art, Its loveliness no tongue can tell, The bird drinks nectar from its heart, The bee sips honey from its bell, The sweetest fragrance is distilled, Bright flower, your mission is fulfilled! Remove the barriers that bind My heart and let me freedom gain; The darkness of my soul illume And never more will I complain. An altered look Life's book will wear, No longer blotted o'er with tears, Duty and pleasure sweetly blent Upon each shining page appears. With noble deeds my heart is thrilled, At last, my mission is fulfilled! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...RESOLUTION OF A POETICAL QUESTION CONCERNING FOUR RURAL SISTERS: 2 by CHARLES COTTON THE CHOIRMASTER'S BURIAL by THOMAS HARDY TO MY BOOKS by CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH SHERIDAN NORTON ON BEING BROUGHT FROM AFRICA TO AMERICA by PHILLIS WHEATLEY UPON MY FATHERS SUDDEN & DANGEROUS SICKNESS by JOSEPH BEAUMONT |