Escape my cage

I am like a bird held captive. 
As long as the gate to my cage stays shut, 
I will continue to live behind bars.

However, if anyone is foolish enough,
to open my cage.
I will make an escape towards the open sky.

And like an escaped bird,
I will not stop to see,
if my leaving upsets the one who held me captive.

I will not risk my freedom,
to glance backwards at my owners sobbing form,
because the sight of their tears will make me feel guilty.

If I see the tears of any creature,
I will feel the need to slow my escape,
so that I may comfort whomever is in distress.

Then the person who I made the mistake of showing kindness,
will catch me as if they feel they have the right to own me,
and I will find myself in a cage once again.

So I will avert my eyes from their sorrow,
and attempt to ignore their cries of despair,
as I make a move to be what I was meant to be.

I will be my own master,
and I will follow my own decisions.
Only then will I be able to sing.

Only then will I be happy...