I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,
When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,
When he beats his bars and would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,
But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,
But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings –
I know why the caged bird sings.

~ From “Sympathy” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

I imagine when most people hear the phrase, “I know why the caged bird sings,” they think of the iconic work by Maya Angelou. But the inspiration for the title of her book came from the quoted stanza of poetry above. What we often perceive as happiness and joy is just a mask for something deeper and darker. For unmet expectations and fears of who we are and the life we lead. The apparent good humour we display is a way of hiding the doubt and disappointment; it is the plea and prayer that we may someday be set free.

But for each of us, there is that open window that is our motivation to keep on laughing, singing, pleading and praying. And just when the shadows are deepest, when we are laid bare, that is when a hand reaches out, unlocks the door and gives us our wings.

To be caged no more and sing the sweetest.

Pretty stuff I’m wearing:

Outfit: *Connors* TANK TOP SALMONPINK 1 and PANTIES SALMONPINK by Salah Axel
Necklace & Earrings: EarthStones Bullseye Gold Set – Smoky Quartz by Abraxxa Anatine
Hair: Analog Dog pause sangria by Queue Marlowe
Tattoo: Letis Tattoo :: Pink Rose :: Back :: 50% :: B12019 by Leti Hax
Eyes: Amacci Gaze Eyes – Ocean Blue by Carina Larsen
Skin: [PXL] Creations [PXL] JADE SK WineLight Lips MEB C2 by Hart
Larsson
Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual by Siddean Munro
Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Flat by Siddean Munro
Hand & Feet Appliers: [ PXL ] Creations [ PXL ] Slink Hand & Feet Appliers SK

Pose: Pose: GLITTERATI – Backed up series by Katey Coppola (NLA)
Photo taken in reBourne Prefabs Bali house (furnishings included)

**Just an update on the Bali house I reviewed a few weeks ago. I received this house as a thank you for blogging the launch. I only saw the demo version and based my review only upon the finished build. Unfortunately, there were several problems with the rezzer after it was released and a lot of people were disappointed with their purchase. Danny has sent out at least three updates to rectify the problems. If you bought the house and are still experiencing issues with rezzing, the build or any missing items, please message Suite Sella in world. Despite the issues with getting it set up, I stand by my review of the house itself. It truly is stunning.