My Oasis

After so many days of rain, at last the sun came out today. So, off I went to the much-awaited visit to the Manila Zoo to take pictures of what were once wildlife. Yes, now they are kept in cages as exhibits or to put on shows for ogling visitors who could not otherwise come this close to them. Who is kept away from whom? The spectators or the wildlife?

Life in a sense is like a cage. We are bound by so many limitations such as physical, mental and emotional capabilities, cultural and religious beliefs. But somehow, some people manage to unshackle themselves of these chains and become pioneering spirits. But for many, they are in fact scared to be completely independent but have dependencies in one form or another. We need other people's friendship, love, nurturing and other forms of support. We need approval from others. In fact, many of us wear masks to give a front for things we don't want others to perceive. So, we pretend to be happy, to be carefree, to be self-sufficient when deep inside we have our disappointments, insecurities, regrets and needs. We expect others to be open to us and yet, we keep so many things within ourselves. Who is fooling who?