"I Too Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"

Psamls 137:1-4

Maya Angelou is considered one of the most prolific writer’s of contemporary literature today. With such works as, “Still I Rise, Phenomenal Woman, and I know why the Caged Bird sings” I can certainly understand why this is the case. She has gained enormous respect around the world for her work and will no doubt be recorded on the pages of history as being a phenomenal woman. Ok, I guess by now you have figured out I’m a fan and hope to one day have the pleasure of meeting her acquaintance.

In her poem “I know why the caged bird sings,” Maya Angelou compares the joys of a free bird with that of the plight of a caged bird. Almost immediately, it becomes clear to the reader why the free bird would feel like singing. The world is at its disposal, the sky is the limit, and as well his opportunities are plenteous. So it is rather expected for him to sing with having such wonderful conditions. In contrast, the caged bird’s feet are bound, his wings have been clipped and the bars of the cage have obstructed his view of the sky. Yet he finds reason to sing.

In Psalm 137 the people of Israel were asked by their Babylonian captors to sing a song of Zion. Their response to this request (recorded in verse #4), asks, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” This of course arrested my attention. While there is always a reason to praise God it is difficult to ignore the arrogance of the oppressor in this verse which in my opinion showed total disregard for the plight of their captives. I find it interesting that those who would try and oppress them would dare ask them to sing, as if the cruelty to which they were being subjected was reason to sing.

This hardly seemed the occasion to request the song of the Lord be sung, however I do not believe hanging their harps in protest to the oppressor was the best response. The bible declares …the joy of the Lord is your strength, which suggests to me, there is strength in praising God.

I discovered the reason a bird sings can be divided in the three following ways: When it is content and happy When it is communicating a message to another bird (including the mating call)When it is communicating a message to its owner With this…I too now know why the caged bird sings.

The caged bird sings not because he is happy or content. Nor does the caged bird sing because he wants to holla at the cute little birdie perched on the tree outside of his cage. No, the caged bird sings because he needs to get a message to its owner for he understands it is his owner who holds the key to his deliverance!

So, the next time you find yourself in an oppressive situation refuse to hold back your praise, get ready to break free from the oppressor, and like the caged bird, open your mouth and talk to God! And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Ps. 40:3

Let the praises ring,

Rev. Melva