Fettered Freedom

I'd had enough,
Of pain and scenes.
I planned an escape
Unheard, unseen.

I wished to flee,
So I flapped my wings
But in place, there were
Hard and strong strings.

A call I heard,
Which warmed my heart
Unbidden it came
On my fledglings' part.

Were I to fly?
What then of them?
Young and innocent
Invaluable gems.

So I settled
For a life in shackles.
I'd face all,
For their endless cackles.