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 trees
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.
Across the globe, there is enough talk, history, and legislation relating to freedom. The reality is we are still not free. In addition to race, we are deeply divided by status, employment, gender, and poverty.
The freedom:
to work
to speak
to be you
to contribute
to be seen
to access the economy
continues to be subjective, questionable, and often painful.
So is “freedom” attainable?
At Each One Hold One (EOHO) we believe it is. We know the first step to real freedom is to free our mind from self-imposed limitations, perceived or real! The commitment to live free is a courageous move as the process requires daily effort and energy. We acknowledge that this journey is a marathon and not a sprint. However, as soon as we consistently free our minds, the progress and fulfilment for ourselves and our circle of influence will become evident!
A free mind energises one to push through barriers and in the process find solutions to challenges.
EOHO is committed to supporting our community through their personal and economic freedom. We do not subscribe to the notion “knowledge is power”. We believe that the real power and progress lies in the EXECUTION of knowledge.
As you consider your next this Freedom Day, we leave you with the words of our freedom icon Nelson Mandela:
“It always looks impossible, until it’s done.”
“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom Autobiography
Happy Freedom Day to all our South African friends and our friends across the globe!
Much Love,
Melissa, Kubeshni & Charmaine
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