Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CAGED EAGLE, by PHOEBE SMITH


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CAGED EAGLE, by                    
First Line: So this, then, is the end
Last Line: Holding broken, quiet claws.
Subject(s): Birds; Cages; Eagles


So this, then, is the end;
They have built a cage for you
Who once screamed to the wild wind
Blowing from lost heights, who knew
Swerving flight into the dawn,
Up from the snowline beyond the last cloud;
You who rested high above the pelting rain,
Farflung shafts of lightning and the loud
Echoing of thunder. Shout your shrill
Scorn of cold bits thrown by careless hands.
Lifeless food for you who have known the kill
Quivering and warm within your clutch?
Sleep, and waken from your dream,
Beat out your madness on these bars;
Vent your primordial rage in this mocking scream
Until your spirit, untamed by human laws,
Leaves but a heap of ragged feathers
Holding broken, quiet claws.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net