A *Caged Bird by E. J. D.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1903

A Caged Bird

By E. J. D.

E. J. D.

I SAT in my room at twilight, the shadows were gathering round, Thinking of my cares and trials, the thorns in my pathway found; I thought of the pleasures beyond, of the joys that might be mine, If ’twere not for the fetters that were keeping me to the line.

I felt like a bird imprisoned behind cruel iron bars, That looked between the grating at the beautiful, shining stars; I wondered why in my sadness, with a heart that ached so sore,— Why life in each passing moment brought but sorrow more and more.

In the dark I could not see the Father’s pitying look of love, Or feel his hallowed presence, but the storm-clouds hung above: And so, with a soul in prison, like a worn and weary bird, I hung my head in deep sorrow, with never a tear nor word.

But suddenly I heard in the silence of that weary, waiting hour, A sound of untold sweetness,—of a voice of heavenly power; I listened in rapt attention; for somehow it seemed to me, Perhaps a message was coming,—a mes- sage to set me free.

“Dear child! don’t you know I am with you whether you work or rest? Don’t you know I am caring for you, and giving my very best? Surely, you must know my meaning after all these passing years! Have I ever neglected you, child, or caused you any fears?

“Then give me the key of your prison, give me the full control; And when your wings are all ready, and when strengthened is your soul, Then will I unfasten the lock, and the gate push open wide,— Then only can I trust you, birdling, to fly around outside.”