ut 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. What is the figurative meaning of the excerpt? The bird’s cage has been placed so that it overlooks a cemetery. The bird’s cage is so small that it cramps his wings and feet. The caged bird has had his hope destroyed. The caged bird is thinking very serious thoughts.