The Cage

because so many wondered what happened …

A once beautiful bird sat on a post in a gilded cage.  Her claws gripped the post on which she sat.  Her cage was made of the finest material.  Her days were spent in the dark, only catching a glimpse of the outside world.

As the years passed, she could feel time slipping away.  Her body aged and she was weak from her burdens.  When her cage was uncovered for her regular feeding, the brilliant light blinded her to what the outside world offered.

Her keeper, the Lord of the manor, insisted he knew best.  Indeed, he was a very important man.  Her once brilliant feathers were dull and drab.  Her voice was mute from rare use.

The dark covered cage made her afraid, and she felt so alone.  She could only dream of the days when she was young.  When she would stretch her wings to fly; soaring on the breeze and enjoying the sights and sounds around her.

One day she heard her Lord talking to a stranger.  The stranger’s voice was deep and strong.  Her heart swelled in her chest.  As she sat on her post in the darkness, the cover of her cage was ripped away.  She was blinded by the sudden light.  Slowly, as the pain eased, she could make out the outline of the stranger.  Their eyes locked, and for a moment she could see the gentle and kind soul that stood before her.

The stranger reached for her cage.  Her Lord refused his attempt at giving her freedom.  She lowered her head, resigned to a future that foretold of her demise.  It was then that the stranger spoke to her Lord, pleading for her release.  A small sliver of hope sprang forth, and the stranger turned and quickly disappeared.

The Lord of the manor hesitated but opened her cage.  She ventured timidly through the ring of gold just as the Lord reached for the cage door, to close it.  Flying through the beautiful home, dodging all of the things, her heart filled with such love for the stranger.  Blood coursed through her tiny body as she drew closer to the exit left open in haste.

The brilliant blue sky was breathtaking, but panic flowed through her as she could not find the stranger.  Soaring to great heights and skimming the tree tops, she finally sat on the branch of a tulip tree.  Near the tree was a small home on a hillside.  It was not like the mansion from which she had come, but it contained more value than anything she had ever had before.

There sat the stranger, and she knew she was home.

“The Cage” was written in response to “A Fable” by Wes Oldham because many people asked, “What happened?” Wes and the author met over many shared cups of coffee in the library, at work. About him, Regina says, “Wes is my inspiration and confidant.  He has been there for me throughout a most difficult period in my life.  It’s truly great when you find someone who can make you really laugh out loud, tell you when you’re wrong, inspire you to be a better person and always take the high road.”