For many, many years I was a slave and lived with the slaves,
but I could not become as one of them. There in my mind, conceived the idea
that I would make a way and breakaway from my lowly birthplace. Somewhere
beyond this miserable place I knew there was something greater –where food is
not ration, where poverty is uncommon and where enthusiasm for living is
abundant. Day by day, the determination to flee grew stronger and stronger. Day
by day, it seemed a timber log was added to the rising fire of my ablaze chest,
till at last, it became a burning desire.
“There is nothing out there,” the other slaves proclaimed. “There is desolation and there is death!”
“How do you know,” I demanded of them and none could answer.
That evening, I had no other thought than the thoughts to seek the desert’s end. I became excited with optimism; beyond those parched high walls, I believed there existed a hopeful new world that awaits my freedom. I became consume with courage just as readily as fear overtakes the body. At the stroke of midnight, I snuck and made my escape. I knew there were no security measures to stop me, as it was rare to hear of a runaway slave.
Into the barren desert I fled, where the slaves dare not tread, lest they died. As the rocks bruised my feet, the heat coated my skin red and the sun trampled on me, I could now understand why they shunned this wild wasteland. I could now understand why they rather remain slaves than find freedom, as the desert is cruel, torturous and leaves no survivors. Throughout my journey I met neither man nor beast nor stream nor shelter. With no food, water nor companion, but with faith and endurance, these two elements mixed with the burning desire –I became hysterically obsessed to stay alive, because I believe, beyond those parched high walls, there existed a hopeful new world that awaits my freedom.
Then, upon approaching Freedom’s gate, a fine gentleman greets me by name: “Welcome Success! You finally left your home, Mediocrity behind.”
