Parable of the Cage // G. brought a songbird over from Java, (a murai batu/white-rumped shama), named Nobita, to keep at the house. Nobita is at our guesthouse today, just temporarily, hung under the awning outside the door. His cage is covered completely by a yellow, zipped-shut fabric. (The cats are mystified.)
All during my practice, Nobita was singing and whistling sweet trills and dynamic little melodies. Happy sing-songy sounds. It had me thinking. After practice, I said, Oh, sweet little bird. (I am Snow White.) Maybe you would like to peek out from under your cover. Have a nice view of the garden. Get fresh air and sunlight. So, I unzipped one of the zippers, just a little. As soon as he saw me, Nobita started squawking and scolding. He said, “no! No! what are you doing! What are you doing!” Not in words, but in angry little squawks and tch tch sounds. I felt so bad, I quickly apologized and zipped it back up.