Flight

This bird in a cage, the door is open, too scared to venture out. The steel bars comfort, the cold, scratched floor protects me from falling. I remember yesterday, taking a tentative flutter outside. There I was, naturally guiding myself through the sky and trees, effortlessly exploring, touching on confidence.

I become tired and the fear returns, it is all I can do to fly with all my might to my cage. My sanctuary, before I fall, before I am attacked, before I have to fend off anything real or imaginary.

And I hold onto the bars, firmly steadying my claws, tying myself into elaborate knots of fear. Tangling and untangling in understanding and confusion. Until the next brief flight I search for courage.

I close my eyes and hold my breath. For a moment I hear myself breathe deep and soft and I hear the other birds in the trees sing their sweet song.