THE POND

As I sit at this table, supposedly studying, I can see a large, man-made pond. There are birds on the pond, ducks, herons, a larger bird, perhaps an egret, and a couple of others I don't recognise. They float around on the water, looking so calm. However, under the water, I have heard, they have to paddle fast to move. A little of what my life is like. I can walk around looking calm, but underneath, I am struggling every day to move through life.

My eyes wander to the tall grass on the other side of the lake. It is swaying in the breeze, looking like it is trying to break free. The wind blows it, and it seems to pull against its roots. But then the wind eases, and it finds itself stuck where it was, unable to break free because it’s been planted there, and there is where it must stay. At least the soil where it is must be good, as it is tall grass. Not like where I am planted, where I cannot see any good soil, only fighting and chaos.

Behind the grass are some tall, beautiful gum trees. The wind blows some of the leaves off their branches. These leaves fall to the ground, and there they stay. I can feel the freedom they might feel as they float, only to land on the ground, unable to go anywhere else. I wouldn’t mind feeling free even for a little while. However, I never do! The leaves will stay there on the ground and eventually rot. Is that what will happen to me? Mind you, the leaves do become beneficial in the soil, improving its quality and helping the trees flourish. Interesting that the leaves come from the trees and then help the same trees flourish! Of course, the branches blow in the breeze, but they can’t go anywhere either.

Suddenly, a bird flies out of one of the trees. It lands on another tree and sits for a time. Then it takes off and flies into the distance, going where it pleases. Oh, to be a bird and go wherever you want. To be free and have no restrictions on you, no one holding you back. To be as free as a bird is my dream! I want to fly!