The bird in the cage
The reflection about the time in the lockdown.
Have you ever thought about the birds? I have. They are free in their deepest sense, and they are able to cross any place whenever they feel the need to... Ever since I was a child I looked at the birds in the sky flying. Flying away in the autumn and returns in the spring. I went to the forest every so often just to hear how the woodpecker knocks on the wood and how an owl hoots during the night. It is marvellous freedom that has always let me be me — the bird in my heart.
But have you ever thought about the birds in the zoos or in the flats that have been kept as pets? I have. I have been to a zoo very few times. Although it is surprising to see animals and birds so close and enjoy their exotic nature, they have lost themselves. They have lost their instincts, their beautiful flying skills and miraculous voices. They are cut off from their own lives just to be enjoyed and looked by people.
The lockdown has brought me back to the zoo. To the cages and inability to live my life as I would desire to. I see the similarity between myself and those caged birds. I am a bird a beautiful swan deep in my heart. It is majestic but so fragile inside. Especially when the lockdown doesn’t let my swan spread its wings and fly. Fly far and find the way back to its family and to live.
I have been this swan who has lost its pack for few months now, but I am also the swan who has been damaged severely by having to spend all of these days at home with severe restrictions upon my movement and my life. I wish sincerely to allow these birds to fly, to stop cutting their wings and most importantly to let them go.
Currently, I am as sad as the swan in the cage, but I am mesmerized by birds voices every single day that I spent in the lockdown. There are various birds — small, big, grey, brown, colourful, curious and shy. It moves my heart and lifts my spirit as they say hello to me every morning. They seem to be proud of their life, nests and their small chicks. It is wonderful. It gives me the strength to survive, it gives me the hope that my swan will be able to fly again, and soon.
