*Sigh*  Another long day. Seems every day is the same.....droning on forever with the same monotony as the day before. It's been a long winter of feeling cooped up. I miss the sunshine, long walks outdoors and the feeling of grass beneath my feet. Oh, and the water! Nothing is more invigorating than splashing in a cool pool on a hot summer's day! I remember the beach.....so many enticing new sights and smells tantilizing the senses! The wind tickling the leaves on the trees and playfully winding through the branches creating a sound like a distant applause, so unlike the busy streets at home. I can still smell the wet sand and seaweed as well as hear the many birds singing their own individual songs and the children squealing with delight at the small waves lapping at their toes! I'm not that big on swimming, but wading through the water and exploring the sandy bottom of the lake was like being in a whole different world.......the water swirling around me with each movement, the feeling of weeds gently grabbing my ankles, trying to see past my reflection down into the rippling waters and wondering what lies beneath......it was an entirely new level of joy!

*Sigh*  As the sunlight filters through the window and falls gently across me I close my eyes and dream that I am free in the vastness of the outdoors,  running as fast as my legs will carry me through tall, soft grass with the wind kissing my face! I dart through shrubbery disturbing wildlife and not even stopping to smell the flowers, for the exhileration is too great to slow down! I finally collapse under the cool shade of a tree and as I lay there in complete contentment, I watch the busy insects and notice the fresh buds blooming around me. I look around in awe at the many wonders surrounding me and wonder how I ever survived the many months indoors.

I am suddenly roused from my visions by the sound of the door. I catch the subtle scent of spring before the door closes. Mom is home and I run to greet her, hoping that today will be the day! She doesn't say a word and simply goes about putting away her things, changing and settling in. She looks tired. She finally slumps into a chair and I wait hesitantly for an invitation.......she looks up and smiles! I run into her arms and she laughs at me and my brother and sisters all scrambling for attention! My anticipation grows and she seems to read the eagerness in my eyes.....I can't help but give a pleading stare! How else do I tell her of my longing to go out and feel young and free? Her smile fades and as she reaches out to caress my face she says, "I know honey, but not today."

I understand and decide that it's okay......as long as we're together I am happy! Mom mentions taking a nap and I willingly follow, wanting to show her that I'm there for her. As we all curl up together and settle in she puts her arm around me. I start to drift off to the sound of my brother's gentle snoring and think to myself that although I didn't get to fulfill my dreams today I know there's always tomorrow. Being surrounded by love and holding onto my hopes and dreams makes enduring another long day seem bearable.

It's funny how mom sometimes talks about how cute I am when I'm sleeping......my legs twitching and my tail wagging......I wonder if she knows what adventures I'm dreaming of? I wonder if she dreams of them too?


Kiara Faith