starcats wrote:
Temeraire wrote:
I am in a cage at a Zoo. I know my neighbour is different but also in a cage like me. What connects us is that we are both surrounded by the same society looking in on us.
This is deep and also makes me sad. I feel like a trapped animal a lot. I wonder what it would take to feel like birds and squirrels all sharing the same tree. Really different physiology and mindset, free to come and go, peaceful co- habitation. Maybe some people/society in the distance observing, but not interfering in my survival needs or fun.
You reminded me of all the animals and insects which visit my garden and quite happily live in harmony. The only problem they have is when my dog spots them - she has a natural tendency to chase things which move.
A few months ago a hedgehog walked up to me and looked up as if it wanted something or wanted to say something. I stood there and I did speak and asked what was the matter as this is unusual behaviour for a wild animal. It stood there for a while looking up then turned and went back under the fence. It was such a profound moment and I will never forget it.
I had a moment with a silverback at the zoo a few years ago - he just stared at me but with a neutral calmness and I remember thinking blimey, all these people and he chose to look into my eyes. Of course he may have had been thinking if he got over the wall he would eat me first.