The Inmate

I see the majestic, blue sky enveloping the barren earth ; like a thick, blue blanket of flannel , shrouding a quivering baby. I smell the silent fragrance of rainbow colored flowers all around ; as if a valley full of roses, and tulips, and petunias has come to life. I hear the incessant gibberish of blithe children playing, as if they are nonchalant to the harsh realities that life sometimes bears. I look around and I am left to wonder I wonder how ; I wonder why , this pristine beauty is so alien to me, this splendid world no longer belongs to me. From inside this deep commotion , I can hear my heart echoing : “ Fetter me all you can ; tie me with the strongest chains that you have. But you cannot chain the fresh air that sweeps into my cell and swamps me , irrespective of my color, race , religion, or language.” But , nevertheless , apprehensive of the evanescence of this cool breeze that somehow creeps through the narrow bars of my cell , I devour it. Mar 21,’05.