Caged

Thoughts of cool grass and fragrant breezes thrust at the boundaries holding them back. Memories surge to the surface, stroking pleasure from the depths. Drifting off to sleep, the memories linger, spinning into dreams of the past. Running free through the lengthy stems, feeling the harsh edges of the blades catch and release in the regular rhythm of movement, the sun shining hot and bright on his back. Air flowing fresh with snatches of scent, streaming into being like magic, awakening hungers long forgotten. Legs churn and ears twitch, as remembrance shakes the foundation of his existence. The absence of the exquisitely boundless feeling of freedom becomes unbearable, even in slumber, and the bear wakes, shaking free of the dream. Lifting his head, he sniffs the stale air coming through the bars of his cage. A single tear falls from his lash as he wearily lays his head back down.