INTRODUCTION
People in power or those with material wealth have their own assumptions of freedom. This story challenges their particular notion of freedom, and shows how some of us are instinctively drawn to things that imprison us, while others yearn for true freedom. This kind of yearning is articulated in Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" when she writes:
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.
(Recommended story to pair: The Butterfly & the Cocoon)
People in power or those with material wealth have their own assumptions of freedom. This story challenges their particular notion of freedom, and shows how some of us are instinctively drawn to things that imprison us, while others yearn for true freedom. This kind of yearning is articulated in Maya Angelou's poem "Caged Bird" when she writes:
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.
(Recommended story to pair: The Butterfly & the Cocoon)
The Bird in the Golden Cage (a story from India)
There was once a ruler of a kingdom, who heard the sweet song of a bird. A bird that was able to fly to different branches of different trees, roam in the clear blue sky or thunderous showers. It could see the whole world. The bird enjoyed its freedom.
However, the ruler was in love with the birdsong and wanted to hear it every morning. So the ruler’s assistant caught the bird and placed it in a golden cage filled with diamonds, and other precious stones.
But the bird didn’t like the cage. It could no longer fly and it was deeply upset.
Now the bird would weep, but the ruler thought the bird was singing a beautiful song, and was immensely happy. The ruler believed that the bird appreciated the golden cage with precious gems. After all, who wouldn’t love it?
One day, the assistant was assigned to clean the cage, and when the cage door was open, the bird flew out and flew to the nearest branch it could find.
Watching all this was a parrot. The parrot was annoyed at the bird and said to the bird, “What are you thinking? You had such an amazing home. All you had to do was sing the most beautiful songs for the King and you were given a golden cage. You’re an idiot for giving up the gold and the precious gems. You didn’t even take one out when you left. You have lost everything with your so-called freedom.”
The bird listened to the parrot. And after giving it some thought, the bird replied to the parrot, “You may live in the cage if you like it so much. But I prefer the freedom of roaming in the sky, living day by day and being happy because I am alive.”
Before the bird was able to finish his point, the parrot flew inside the cage.
There was once a ruler of a kingdom, who heard the sweet song of a bird. A bird that was able to fly to different branches of different trees, roam in the clear blue sky or thunderous showers. It could see the whole world. The bird enjoyed its freedom.
However, the ruler was in love with the birdsong and wanted to hear it every morning. So the ruler’s assistant caught the bird and placed it in a golden cage filled with diamonds, and other precious stones.
But the bird didn’t like the cage. It could no longer fly and it was deeply upset.
Now the bird would weep, but the ruler thought the bird was singing a beautiful song, and was immensely happy. The ruler believed that the bird appreciated the golden cage with precious gems. After all, who wouldn’t love it?
One day, the assistant was assigned to clean the cage, and when the cage door was open, the bird flew out and flew to the nearest branch it could find.
Watching all this was a parrot. The parrot was annoyed at the bird and said to the bird, “What are you thinking? You had such an amazing home. All you had to do was sing the most beautiful songs for the King and you were given a golden cage. You’re an idiot for giving up the gold and the precious gems. You didn’t even take one out when you left. You have lost everything with your so-called freedom.”
The bird listened to the parrot. And after giving it some thought, the bird replied to the parrot, “You may live in the cage if you like it so much. But I prefer the freedom of roaming in the sky, living day by day and being happy because I am alive.”
Before the bird was able to finish his point, the parrot flew inside the cage.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- What could the golden cage really be?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
