Bird on a Wire

Some days I feel like a bird on a wire, trying to keep my balance, while the rest of the world goes on below me.

Today is one of those frustrating days where things are a bit annoying. Not bad, exactly, just annoying. My eyes are really tired. I don’t know how to explain it. The one eye feels like it’s going to pop out, stupid thing. And teaching teenagers sometimes feels like just that—teaching teenagers complete with all their weird hormones, immaturity and general craziness.

But then I walk into the quiet comfort of our apartment and am enveloped by the feel of home and the promise of when Mike walks in through the door. Suddenly, I start to feel better. It’s only then that I can truly reflect on a day that wasn’t half bad, really. Despite the pain in my eye, I still see. Despite teenagers being teenagers, I still smiled and laughed today. I still helped someone learn, which when you think of it, is truly a blessed thing.

So instead, I choose what kind of bird on the wire I want to be: not the one struggling with its balance. No. Today, despite it all, I’m the bird on the wire not struggling to stay on, but the one looking up waiting to take flight. Even if it’s with only one eye.

“Oh, like a bird on a wire,

Like a drunk in a midnight choir

I have tried in my way to be free.”

~ Leonard Cohen ~ “Bird on a Wire”

Love, e

P.S. Picture taken outside an IHOP during sunset. I love art.