On Freedom

While admiring busy hamster, at speed in plastic wheel.
Amusing nearby children,
In this pet shop with appeal.

“Good morning, Mr. Hamster,
Are you happy when you spin?
I always find that exercise improves the mood I’m in.”

“Correct” replied the hamster.
Who stopped……… to almost glare.
“It’s madam, if you don’t mind.
You’re clearly unaware,
That I lack important features that masculinity befalls.
Should I need to put it bluntly.
In short, I have no balls.”

Talk about embarrassment.
I felt it deep inside.
Then pressed on.
Changed the subject.
My confusion for to hide.
“I’m sorry.
Gentle question, to calm the status quo.
Mrs Hamster, you must benefit. Look at the rate you go.”

“Good God man, I’m not married, my life is set for me.
Are you thick,
Have you not noticed,
My life is hardly free?

Confined in this contraption, they watch all that I do,
I’m here as entertainment for kids and twerps like you.
Of course, I feel some gratitude.
I’m warm and overfed,
With fluffy warm and dry stuff that makes a snuggly bed.

The boredom …… it’s appalling.
This place is all I see.
It’s as if I have been kidnapped.
No countryside for me.

I listen to you humans, who chat while passing by.
What chronic conversation……
Can you please tell me why,
There’s football, where’s the coffee and celebrities in trend?
It’s trivial, relentless?
I’ve no intention to offend.

Their lives seem superficial,
Are you able to explain,
If they realise their human and there’s more to tax the brain?

The one that always gets me,
They say……… ‘Oh look at him.
It reminds me.
Book a session on the treadmill at the gym.’

They’re off to run or cycle, on machines in sweaty place.
I wish that I could tell them,
Life’s precious, find some space.
Then open up your senses,
Embrace what’s here for you.
I’ve heard this planet’s wonderful,
Take off, it’s not a zoo.

I suspect you’re on my wavelength,
As you’re taking time to think.
Ensure your life is vital, of consequence and free.
If not, do reconsider
Or end up trapped like me.

Not held, yet in confinement
By the treadmill of your mind.
Dismiss it. Change. Do anything
Seek prospects undefined.

Oh wow,
I’ve just been paid for.
Look, they’re on the phone.
“Hi Gran. We’ve bought a hamster, we’re about to bring him home.”
I’m not a bloke, I’m female.
I weep, please use your eyes.

Young man, it’s been a pleasure.
Be free. Express. Aspire.
Live life far from convention,
Do offer, not acquire.

No wait, all time is precious.
Why plan to gently age?
Address it in an instant.
Turn the treadmill to a stage.

Now look, this is my moment.
I’ll settle in new home.
Be charming and adorable,
One day when all alone.
Someone will forget me…….
My cage door slips ajar.
That’s it, I’m off, skedaddle. I needn’t go that far.

Remember our discussion, as when I’m free to roam
I can hide beneath the floorboards and create a proper home.

That’s it, my plan for freedom,
The treadmill’s in the past.
My mind will soar, ecstatic, with my spirit free at last.

The final piece of jigsaw?
I should like to tie the knot
With a warm and loving fella for a bit of you know what.”

Hamster was excited as they whisked her cage away.
She winked to reassure me.
There’s prospect every day.
Her example was uplifting.
I thought can I fulfil,
The purpose I am here for, beyond my own treadmill?

Miss Hamster had inspired me,
I was savouring the glow, of a rather magic moment.
I wish I’d told her so.