Caged Bird

Look into my eyes,
And at the lines on my face.
They'll tell you a story,
Of my time and my race.

It all started when I,
Was a young, care-free child.
Some said I was spunky,
Some said I was wild.

Although I was young,
I had to be wise.
To withstand all the hurt,
And to see through the lies.

I acted like most,
But hid deep inside.
My smile a mask,
My spirit had died.

I wanted to be free,
I didn't want no more pain.
Night after night,
It happened again and again.

No longer a child,
At the young age of ten.
My youth had been stolen,
By the monster of men.

I am now an adult,
Filled with anger and rage.
I want to just fly,
But I'm a bird in a cage.

That bird in that cage,
Is the mask on my face.
It hides all the hurt,
And shows beauty and grace.

I am that bird,
And I'm singing my song.
As long as I sing,
You can't ask me, "What's wrong?".

Today I am old,
As I tell you this tale.
No longer a child,
But a bit worn and frail.

You now see through my eyes,
And saw my life as a race.
The bird, you can't see now,
Through the lines on my face.

I have sung you my song,
So I let go the rage.
I spread my old wings now,
Watch me fly from my cage.

My youth never left me,
Don't let yours pass by.
I kept on my mask,
To fearful to fly.

So take off your masks,
And let go of your rage.
Sing out your songs,
And fly free from your cage.