“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.”

from “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou

Although the world experienced a great loss with the death of poet Maya Angelou yesterday, I find it  impossible not to celebrate and be grateful for the beautiful example of her life and words.

She spent years as a girl refusing to speak due to guilt over heinous crimes she did not commit. But she eventually decided to emerge from silence into a life of self expression in the arts. She spoke about personhood, womanhood, and race in a generous voice that allowed all of us to share in her strength.

She sang for freedom. She sang for all of us.

Quietly,
in staccato,
the butterfly
sings of freedom,
too.

Maya Angelou: Thank you and rest in peace.

©A. D. Joyce, 2014