Well, here in Texas we are a few days away from tiptoeing our way back into something like regular life. This isolation thing has not been easy on me. And it's not been easy on anyone, I do understand.
And I understand that I am not a special case. And that I am fortunate to be safe, warm, and dry and under no particular pressure as a result of the self-containment.
That said, I am not a willing captive.
It doesn't matter where.
I am in solidarity with all creatures confined. Fish in tanks. Birds in cages. Any animal longing to be somewhere else. (Please note that I am leaving out the problem of humans confined in prisons. This is a short essay on me in isolation. I don’t have space or strength for a rumination on guilt or innocence and justice. I’ll straighten out those problems on another day.)
It doesn't matter where.
I am in solidarity with all creatures confined. Fish in tanks. Birds in cages. Any animal longing to be somewhere else. (Please note that I am leaving out the problem of humans confined in prisons. This is a short essay on me in isolation. I don’t have space or strength for a rumination on guilt or innocence and justice. I’ll straighten out those problems on another day.)
I've been most worried about the people trapped in terror - often in real danger - because of who they live with and the societal horrors they face every day.
I am being forced to confront the loss of my freedom to go and come as I damn well please. I can’t remember a time when there is a “someone” who tells me NO when I decide there is something to be done that needs my participation outside my four walls.
And I don’t like it, not one little bit. Tell me I can’t go somewhere, and I’ll try to figure out a way, damn your eyes, to make it happen.
However...and this is the point I am laboring to make...I am being an excellent sport at this point in our collective global history. I am following the conflicting guidelines to the best of my ability. I am protecting myself and others from my potential germs. I am doing what I can to flatten my part of the curve. And I’m being a veritable ray of sunshine.
You are welcome.
But I don’t have to be happy about it.
I am being forced to confront the loss of my freedom to go and come as I damn well please. I can’t remember a time when there is a “someone” who tells me NO when I decide there is something to be done that needs my participation outside my four walls.
And I don’t like it, not one little bit. Tell me I can’t go somewhere, and I’ll try to figure out a way, damn your eyes, to make it happen.
However...and this is the point I am laboring to make...I am being an excellent sport at this point in our collective global history. I am following the conflicting guidelines to the best of my ability. I am protecting myself and others from my potential germs. I am doing what I can to flatten my part of the curve. And I’m being a veritable ray of sunshine.
You are welcome.
But I don’t have to be happy about it.
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