Veiled Wings

I fly near the cage I managed to escape,
watching the birds inside laugh and play,
waiting for the unseen master to return
and open the gate.

They applaud with pity and fear
as I fly and sing my melodious song,
with wings sharper and voices sweeter than mine.

O, how I wish they could fly,
— how I wish they could sing.

How I wish they could taste this rich wine
and feel the warmth of this majestic sky.

How I wish they could spread their wings
and dance in this crystal rain without guilt.

But how can I break this rusty cage?
as I secretly watch them curse and wedge the dusty key
lent by other brave birds,
again, and again.

And would they shut me in
if they see my trembling claws
rattling the cage from within?
And if they shut me in,
would they cut my wings?

And if I break the cage,
would they fall to the ground,
flapping their veiled wings,
having never learnt to fly or sing?

And if the angry master returns after all,
would he lock us back in and watch us rot?
Or would he be graceful and
free us into the garden where we can sing and dance?

But O, how I wish they could fly,
— how I wish they could sing.

How I wish they could taste this rich wine
and feel the warmth of this majestic sky.

How I wish they could spread their wings
and dance in this crystal rain without guilt.

— Fawaz