Frank L. Ludwig - Freedom

A moment of compassion
led John, at Life’s last stage,
to take his little bluebird
out of his little cage.

And at the open window
he held him in his hand:
‘For many years you’ve served me,
a singer and a friend.

‘But I have been too selfish
and can no longer bear
to see you caged’, he whispered
and threw him in the air.

The bluebird hit the pavement,
splashing some passers-by;
caged for so long, he couldn’t
remember how to fly.

Frank L. Ludwig

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/freedom-214/