Caged Bird
By Maya Angelou
A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing tree
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
What senses are called upon to make the experience concrete?Give examples and indentify each
The sense of sight is called upon to make the experience concrete. Examples of this can be seen in phrases like "dips his wing in the orange sun rays," "wings are clipped," and "his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream." These visual descriptions help the reader imagine the vivid imagery of the bird's freedom and confinement.
The sense of hearing is also utilized. The poem mentions how the caged bird "opens his throat to sing" and describes his tune being "heard on the distant hill." This appeals to the reader's auditory senses, allowing them to imagine the song of the caged bird and the effect it has on its surroundings.
Additionally, the sense of touch is implied in phrases like "the wind," "the current," and "feet are tied." Although not directly mentioned, the reader can imagine the sensation of the wind on the bird's feathers and the feeling of the bird's feet being restricted or confined.
The sense of smell is indirectly referenced through phrases like "the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn." While not explicitly stated, the mention of worms waiting on a lawn implies the smell of earth and fresh morning air.
Lastly, the sense of taste is not explicitly invoked in the poem.