I know why the caged bird sings 
to drown out the sound of silent despair 
for the beautiful resonating sound it brings 
remembering blue skies and fresh spring air 
the caged bird sits and sings and stares 
 
it sings for the trees and grass and worms it knows 
and the twinkling lights beneath the stars 
that lie beyond where it can no longer go 
the caged bird sings through its stifling bars 
to heal old wounds and mend old scars 
 
over mountain tops it reigns supreme 
the free bird flys and soars so high                                                      
dreaming their dreams within a dream 
the caged bird walks and squawks a sigh 
they know no boundaries but the sky 
 
the free bird looks at every noise, what's there?  
the caged bird sings and sings without a care
johnny dodo
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-to-maya-angelou-i-know-why-the-caged-bird-sings/