Heart of a Caged Bird

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or the poem highlighted in this PoemFic (that right belongs to Maya Angelou). I only own the mini-plot-thingy =D

A/N: Hey everyone! This is my first attempt at a Poemfic, and I happened to come across this while doing something related to English coursework = decided to turn it into something about Neji. Hope everyone likes it...or at least finds it decent?

PS. Yes, I know I haven't updated in ages for my other stories, please bear with me.


Caged Bird

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing

Neji was watching Hinata train, the hate evident in his eyes. The Branch Family of the Hyuuga clan were always treated with the utmost respect, like they were the most important people in the world. And what about the Branch House? Ignored. Treated like dirt, with a cursed seal on their forehead that brought terrible pain on the victim. Neji growled, Byakugan flaring up. All because his uncle was born first. Because of that, he had to live a cruel life, and at present, he'd had enough of it. Breaking away from his cover, he rushed out at Hinata, palm extended, ready to deliver a Jyuuken strike to her heart.

in the orange sun's rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through

Neji was only dimly aware of what was going on, in his hate filled scope of vision, but he saw Hiashi, his uncle, solemnly raise his hands together in a seal. Neji knew full well what was going to happen next, but still he rushed on.

his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings

The young Hyuuga cried out in pain, clutching at his forehead.

"You knew this would happen, Neji." Hiashi intoned. Behind the Hyuuga clan head, Hinata stood watching, stricken with horror.

with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill

Neji had now dropped onto his knees, hands ripping off his forehead protector in a violent fashion, clawing at his head. Rolling around on the floor, he writhed in obvious agony. Gasping for air, somehow he managed to utter,

"I...hate...you."

for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

"I'm sorry Neji, but this has to be done. It is your place to serve us." Neji's eyes widened as the pain intensified. He screamed.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn

and he names the sky his own.

I...will control...my own fate... Neji thought, the Caged Bird Seal still pulsating wildly, making him spasm on the floor. I want to be free...

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

All this time, Hiashi stood, his cold eyes glaring at Neji while he writhed in his agony. Suddenly, there was a horrible grating sound, and Neji's eyes lolled back in their sockets. The body of the heir to the Branch Family lay on the ground, now an empty corpse.


The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard

All of the Branch Family of the Hyuuga clan came to Neji's funeral, understanding the choice he made, and why he did it. Secretly, almost all of them would have liked it, preferring death over being caged. Team 9 were present as well, Lee and Gai being unusually sombre, while Tenten sobbed sadly.

on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

If one looked closely, just as Neji's body was about to be cremated with a Katon jutsu, you could just notice the hints of a smile on the corner of his mouth. Hyuuga Neji was finally free.


A/N: Hnn...something feels wierd about this...anyway, Read and Review plz!