Freedom one Seeks

Though the lush grass surrounding me sways in the strong wind, the glass enclosing me quivers as if it were only weak. Though the bountiful Mallee trees reach up and hide the empty sky above me, they don't hide my reflection in the glass. Though the wooden climbing frames angle tall above the dusty ground below, they still aren't taller than the wired fence that imprisons me. Though the glistening stream runs through the ground beside me, it doesn't run through the concrete wall that confines me. They think I don't see beyond the nature encompassing me, but I do. I see a cage. I know I'm in it and I'm desperate to get out.

I look into the glass and into the eyes of a man. Beyond him is a world I only wish I can be a part of. A world where there is no boundary I cannot cross. No limit to the choices I may make. A world where freedom is something that is taken for granted.

I stretch out my hand and point to the bolt of the glass, hoping that this stranger will understand what I need from him. A sudden grin spreads across his face and his eyes flicker with curiosity. I try communicating with him using sign language by interlacing my fingers representing the word gate. The stranger begins to understand and begins to touch the glass and the bolt. Using my hands again, I suggest he pull the bolt out and place it in his palm. Through the glass, I hear his muffled, surprised voice saying "He wants me to lift the window up." My eyes light up in anticipation. He understands and for the first time in my life, I have a chance of being free.

The man stares at the bolt wedged into the metal frame of the glass. He hesitates before crouching beside me. He places his palms against the glass which separate us, his face mirroring the sadness and desolation which lies in me. He presses his nose against the glass and looks at me with eyes full of remorse. But I know it isn't his fault that I was born a chimpanzee that