Trapped in a cage,

my wings glued together, beak taped shut,

cannot sing anymore

my ankle, red tag, a number for my new identity.

my feathers falling off, I"m becomimg

everyone looks at me, I'm center of attention

they pay to watch me, to see struggle for their own entertainment

I see faces, their faces with painted expressions like masks on statues

people whisper, their neighbor laughs.

LOOK AT ME!

cage bending inward, becoming sharp glass, an

unbreakable chain, layers of fear

penetrating my body,

like a needle forcing its way into a broken piece of you.

will anyone save me? will I ever be free?

I go numb, body tingling, the last bit of hope

I wait, wait for anyone to stand up...

no one does.