CAGED

Once I had wings — I had no heart to fly,

They put me in a cage, I did not die.

They tamed me, taught me tricks and bade me sing;

I waited, bore it patiently; one thing

I knew, that some day it might be

The cage would open and I should be free.

I waited endlessly,— at last the day!

Faint with delight I thought to fly away,

Ah, but the mockery of that open door!—

My wings were powerless, I could fly no more.