A bird was frolicking in a wooden cage
Fluttering in the air with joyful glee
She sang as opera diva upon a stage
Chanting for in the wild was feeling free
A cat began to approach her by and by
Smelling his chance for a ready meal
An old tomcat it was, still quick and sly
His craving for the bird did not conceal
“My friend, for you I have a simple query
You are imprisoned though you did no wrong
Yet, your disposition is so merry
Instead of grieving, you sing a happy song
I am outside and act as I desire
I run around according to my will
My heart the smallest pleasure can’t inspire
Happiness I seek, but I am cheerless still”
“Who told you that outside you would be free?
With this atrocious lie who filled your mind?
You think with your unbridled hunting spree
Freedom and peace you can ever find?
My hungry friend, you have been led astray
Real cages are not made with doors of steel
Listen with care to what I’m going to say,
Freedom is in your soul and you can feel
You spend your time with your sleazy plan
Just to fill your belly, you must confess
I happily relax in this old pen
Where freedom I have found far in excess.”