Maya Angelou: Questions 1, 9-11

Maya Angelou says that the caged bird sings of freedom because when trapped in the bird cage, the bird only wants to be free. So that is why it sings, and why Maya said that. The meaning behind what she is saying, is lost on some people because a lot of the time people are not caged, or don’t know they are. Some people have found their freedom, while some are still the little bird singing in there cage for freedom.  I guess I kind of agree with what she said, because if you feel trapped or like you can’t do anything then you probably going to be crying for freedom, or singing. I have to say that I do in fact understand the concept behind this saying. The bird that has been trapped in a cage is only going to spend its time wanting to get free.

            When I try to focus on my writing, or even to come with an idea for something short to write, I usually end up listening to my favorite music. Sometimes I will sing along while other times I am just content to lie back and listen. Listening to music, normally classical piano tends to calm me down and help me to find my center.  Being centered with myself is the best time to think up ideas.  If I try to watch TV or read a book, I get pulled into the show or story and then lose my train of thought. When trying to write, I cannot have the TV on or have a book near me at the time.  Those are some distractions I tend to find.

            I would have to say that I don’t agree while at the same time I do agree with what Nathaniel West said about writing being, “Just hard work…” There are moments when I feel like writing a short story or just quick essay is the hardest thing to write. Sometimes the words just don’t come to me. At the same time I disagree because writing something quick is easily written for me. I can type up a short story after figuring up the plot in a matter of minutes. The same can be said for something that is also a longer story.  I don’t think that writing is really hard work if you enjoy writing. The key to doing something is whether you like it or not, because a job won’t be done if you hate that job.

            I have to disagree with the saying that “One can’t really lean after one is twenty-five,” Because some of the best things people learn in life, they learn when they are older. If people can’t learn after twenty-five, then that means our president and other officials aren’t learning anything about the country they run. It’s like saying; you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I think that if you really want to learn something then go for it. No matter what age you are you can learn something new. For each day you live you are learning something.