Empathy

Hearing the uncaged bird still singing,
words seep from wounds unhealed
stiff joints move slowly in the dark night
of human time, even as wind blows
over shattered glass and brick, the faint
scent of broken promises.

Seeing the uncaged bird still singing,
eyes bruised, legs healed crooked
the cruel bars dusty, but not forgotten
older scars pulse with half-realized
dreams, voice hoarse but not stilled
even as wings are clipped.

I know why the uncaged bird still sings,
freedom is a prayer, join voices
release breath, allow rebirth of
cleansed dharma, an open door
is just the beginning, listen and
know why the uncaged still sings.