So this, then, is the end; They have built a cage for you Who once screamed to the wild wind Blowing from lost heights, who knew Swerving flight into the dawn, Up from the snowline beyond the last cloud; You who rested high above the pelting rain, Farflung shafts of lightning and the loud Echoing of thunder. Shout your shrill Scorn of cold bits thrown by careless hands. Lifeless food for you who have known the kill Quivering and warm within your clutch? Sleep, and waken from your dream, Beat out your madness on these bars; Vent your primordial rage in this mocking scream Until your spirit, untamed by human laws, Leaves but a heap of ragged feathers Holding broken, quiet claws. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CONTRA MORTEM: THE THAW by HAYDEN CARRUTH DESPAIR by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON ON A TUFT OF GRASS by EMMA LAZARUS THE FEAST OF LIGHTS by EMMA LAZARUS TO TWO UNKNOWN LADIES by AMY LOWELL SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: MRS. CHARLES BLISS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |