The cage is open; but the bird does not flee:
She’s bound by reasons that seem strange to me.

Torn is her heart as she peers at the sky;
Mountains and meadows invite her to fly.

No one nor nothing compells her to stay;
Why does she dither, why not fly away?

The trees and the rains, the wind of her dreams;
The temptation fails to entice her, it seems.

If she spreads her wings, she’ll never be free:
The burden along will she have to carry.

A lump in her throat, in her thoughts as she wades,
Her choice is made; in her eyes the light fades.

What her heart yearns for, she cannot choose;
What she’s been granted, she cannot lose.

She takes a step back, she closes the door;
She won’t look again; be tempted no more.

Her faith in herself – therein her strength lies;
She’s content; though some call it… sacrifice.