Mike Day is a regular Heckler contributor, who unfortunately spent
his summer in the Auburn County Jail. He sent this into us via the US
Mail service:
I rose up out of my overly "non-sleep conducive" jail bunk this
morning to the joyous sound of bird song in the barracks day room.
Different was the first thought that entered my not-so-razor sharp
morning brain: birds, flapping their wings in futility trying to re-
acquire the freedoms they can't even realize they possess. A definite
parallel to my current situation. You just don't realize what you have
'till you lose it.
As I sat drinking my cup of tea, I pondered their situation. Flap,
flap-BANG, invisible window. Flap, flap-BANG, cinder block wall. A
definite run of bad luck, or at the very least, unlucky misdirection.
Since birds can't make choices, I won't relate to them in such a
manner. My problem is that I simply "acted the idiot" by making
foolish decisions. No excuse, just a reason: stupidity. This is
probably why I feel so envious of these birds, they have an excuse,
instinctual guidance. I too possess instinct but chose to ignore that
voice.
Birds are a trip. After a while, they just seem to give up on going
home and try to make the most out of their shitty situation by
roosting in the most comfortable manner possible. A definite
parallel there also. Birds have it easy though. When they're trapped,
they don't have worries like us. No job, no girlfriend or wife waiting
at home, no bad news that they can't do anything about. Just life as a
songbird. Color me a dark shade of envy green.
I received a letter, or should I say, a "dear John" letter this
morning at about six a.m. Rude awakening to say the least. Sleep
still in my under-rested eyes and I'm reading the girl I pictured, the
only girl I have to date, pictured myself actually spending an
extended period of time with telling me in a ruthlessly cold manner
about her new beau "Ben." She ended with a bittersweet "have a good
one." No "I miss you," no "love xoxoxo," just have a good one. Ouch.
This illustrates my point. Birds have not worry one in this
department. Their mate takes off and, oh well, find a new one. Envy
green again. Such is life. Au revoir une amie, et amusez-vous bien.
Sad ramblings aside, birds are, in my opinion, the most free of all
creatures. Things get rough and they fly off to greener pastures. As
will I soon.
My winged friend finally made his way outside to join his
companions and continue his free flight to wherever birds end up.
Wonderful existence if you ask me.
I wonder if that little songbird stared at me as I did him. What
did he think of my existence inside that building. I wonder if that
little songbird ever looked back. I doubt it ...
-Michael Orion Day
