On Independence

Was it easier being a kept woman? Financially, yes. Spiritually? Absolutely not.

Mediation and legal proceedings mark the next few weeks. It's a stressful time. But I am hopeful that everything will eventually even out.

My amazing daughter will soon awaken to the beauty of this day. She may not understand its implications fully until so much later. I remain optimistic about her growing understanding of the world and the ties that tether us to family. I'm cynical but hoping to instill some idealism in her, somehow. Despite the way things have gone.

And now, we hand the post over to miss Maya Angelou, with whom I share a birthday. This is one of my favorite works. I was often reminded of it during my marriage, as a person whose existence was dictated by so many parameters. Freedom is a beautiful thing, but it is not without cost, and inherent unpredictability.

It is safe to say I am ready to claim the sky.

Caged Bird

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BY MAYA ANGELOU

A free bird leaps 

on the back of the wind   

and floats downstream   

till the current ends 

and dips his wing 

in the orange sun rays 

and dares to claim the sky. 

But a bird that stalks 

down his narrow cage 

can seldom see through 

his bars of rage 

his wings are clipped and   

his feet are tied 

so he opens his throat to sing. 

The caged bird sings   

with a fearful trill   

of things unknown   

but longed for still   

and his tune is heard   

on the distant hill   

for the caged bird   

sings of freedom. 

The free bird thinks of another breeze 

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees 

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn 

and he names the sky his own 

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams   

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream   

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied   

so he opens his throat to sing. 

The caged bird sings   

with a fearful trill   

of things unknown   

but longed for still   

and his tune is heard   

on the distant hill   

for the caged bird   

sings of freedom.