Caged no more

As I sit here, legs dangling above the soothing calmness of the water, it is difficult not to feel contented with my life. The sun is warm on my face, like the gentle touch of Spring on a wintered field.
Sure, things could have gone better. But, then again, they could have been a shit load worse. I’d always had just enough money to get by. I’d never had the luxury of sitting back and enjoying life trickle past me, farting to enjoy the noise. I’d also never been poor, scurrying around in the muck left by the rich, never knowing when the next desperate scrap of food may come, trying to hold back the tide of life.

Do you realise how massive gulls are? I’m sure that big bastard tried to take my head off. It looks like it could swallow it whole!

I digress.

I’ve always worked hard. No, as we’re being truthful with one another, I’ve always worked. Sometimes I worked hard. Hard enough to compensate for the times I was idle. But damn, I enjoyed being idle. Some people can be, others not so much.

Piss off! I haven’t got any sodding bread!

No, sorry, not you. Just these bloody gulls again.

Don’t tell them, but I’ve got some bread for you if you want some?

Anyway, onwards. It’s getting a tad windy now and the water level is rising so I best be quick.

Have you ever been caged? Metaphorically, or otherwise? I have. My feet were shackled more surely than any iron anklet could have done. My freedoms curtailed and creativity stifled. My sought after views of the sky hidden for days uncountable as I toiled. Love can be like that. Odd, isn’t it? That the thing that should set us free can chain us so dementedly?

My toes are getting wet now. I should probably explain a bit further. I’m actually in a fucking cage. I was given bread and some water to prolong the suffering. I drank the water and rationed the bread, in the vain hope of some rescue. I’m awfully burnt, both from the harsh sun and the brazen wind. The bars crept in on me and crushed my spirit, deadening any hopes of salvation or survival. Only now, that they lowered the cage to beyond the tide line, has a ray of light broken through. I am content. You’d be surprised how reassuring a thought that can be.

Still, I wouldn’t change it, apart from the getting caught part. The Governor’s daughter sure was pretty. And enthusiastic.

I think I’ll have this last bit of bread if you don’t mind? I don’t think the crabs need an appetizer.