The poem
O meadow lark, so wild and free, It cannot be, it cannot be, That men to merchandise your spell Do close you in a wicker hell!
O hedgerow thrush so mad with glee, it cannot be, it cannot be, They rape you from your hawthorn foam To make a cell of steel your home!
O blackbird in the orchard tree, In cannot be, it cannot be, That devils in a narrow cage Would prison your melodic rage!
O you who live for liberty, Can you believe that it can be, That we of freedom's faith destroy In dungeons, innocence and joy?
O decent folk who read this page, If you should own a bird in cage, Throw wide the door, - God gave it wings: Then hear how in your heart it sings!