I know why the caged bird sings

For fear that if it stops

Its tears will drown its hope

I know why the caged bird sings

To try and drown the past

The pain, the doubt, with notes

I know why the cage bird sings

It can’t seem to be still

It wants to wash it all away

I know why the caged bird sings

Its scared that to cease

would truly mean washing away

The cage bird’s scared…

it will never see another day