Tristan Robert Lange

Caged in Lilacs

I have always wished I were a sparrow

Flying high above a ground so fallow—

With magic flowing in my bone marrow

And a freedom given to the callow.

I would fly on past all of the building

That is happening down there on the ground;

I would ignore all of the gold gilding,

I would fly on by not making a sound.

I would seek out another youthful fountain

And perch upon its cool, smooth granite lip;

I would stand atop it, strong as a mountain,

Then I would sing a song and hold my grip.

But, truth, I will never be that free bird,

Rather, I am caged within the lilacs,

Forced to smell their odor—snot—that’s the word;

A hideous smell that my nose shellacs.

No. I am no sparrow, but an actor

Who’s dried up without any leading part,

Without any contributing factor,

I’ve been so foolish from the very start.

© 2025 Tristan Robert Lange. All rights reserved.