" A little bird I am"

Bird in a cage

I read this fascinating poem by Madam Guyon and thought I would include it here for your edification: It's called "A little bird I am"

A little bird I am, Shut from the fields of air;
And in my cage I sit and sing to Him who placed me there;
Well pleased a prisoner to be, because, my God, it pleases thee.

Naught have I else to do; I sing the whole day long;
And He, whom most I love to please, Doth listen to my song;
He caught and bound me wandering wing, But still he bends to hear me sing.

Thou hast an ear to hear; A heart to love and bless;
And though my notes were e'er so rude, Thou wouldst not hear the less;
Because though knowest as they fall, That Love, sweet Love, inspires them all.

My cage confines me round, Abroad I cannot fly;
But though my wing is closely bound, my heart's at liberty.
My prison walls cannot control the flight, the freedom of the soul.

Oh! it is good to soar, these bolts and bars above,
To him whose purpose I adore, Whose Providence I love;
And in the mighty will to find the joy, the freedom of the mind.