I’ve heard it said ‘I know why the caged bird sings
I wish now I had a fancy pair of wings.
I feel helpless to push through this heavy iron chain.
This fence has pinned me in once again.
I reach out for help, can you take my hand?
Don’t you see me here? Can you understand.
I long to leave this confined, drab space
To see if the green is on the grass, face to face.
I know I cannot fly o’er but perhaps I can try
To climb this bent linkage, if I could just get by.
I’m coming, my friends, with aid or not
For I refuse to sit over here and rot.
So, get ready for me, for I’m a comin’
A freedom litany I’ll be hummin’

“Gods!” Jill muttered, eyebrows furrowed as she strained against the unyielding chain-link fence. It was just her bad luck to fling her talisman into the hedge behind the barrier. She pushed one arm over the top rail but couldn’t reach the charm. This wasn’t good and if her teacher found out, he would punish her for being so careless. Why had she twirled the periapt on its silver chain, playing with it as if it were merely a toy and not the protective amulet it was. Losing it meant she was susceptible to a demon attack at any time. Jill took a deep breath and brushed a fringe of short dark hair away from her eyes. She stretched her fingers toward the shiny lapis lazuli, its reflection gleaming against the darkness of the evergreen. Just a little more, she urged herself, a little more… Her fingertips touched the top of the round object but she only managed to dislodge it. Eyes wide with horror, Jill watched the amulet roll further into the dark recesses of the hedge. She felt a chill as a massive dark shadow descended over her. She only hoped it was her teacher coming to punish her.