From the Library…

We will finish the term with the powerful story by Waylen H. which secured him the win for the Yr 9-10 Short Story category in Shalom’s “Literary Wonders” writing competition for 2024.

Waylen weaves a compelling tale of a man’s struggle with his unemployment, and consequent poverty and homelessness. He likens the scenario to a caged bird, denied their freedom to fly. At his most desperate he believes himself saved but ultimately realizes that the inner battle must continue a little longer…

If Waylan’s story grabs you, you may also like Shaun Tan’s “Cicada”.

The Bird

By Waylen H. (Winner Yr. 9-10 Short Story)

A caged bird is destined to never fly beyond the liberty of its metal nest while a free bird’s will is caged in a world of predators. Joseph D. was among many of the employees laid off by a large bank; he was a quiet, mousy man who garnered little attention from his superiors. He would take grueling hours of overtime to make ends meet. The news of his unemployment was not surprising for D. — the consistent trend of economic recession had thrown a dreadful net of uncertainty over his future. Joseph knew that the loss of his employment was the loss of his housing and quite possibly, life. He had tried to reason with his landlord, Mr Smith who had refused his plea, claiming,

“Would you want both of us to lose our livelihood? You’re a good man Joseph. I only wish I could have done more.”

He could have done more; Smith was a man who enjoyed flaunting his moderate wealth with decadent parties and gatherings He housed many tenants in squalid flats, overcharging his guests with hidden fees, while refusing to fix the property’s damage. The tenants were employees of Smith’s connections, his lavish gifts to officials and employers blinded the eyes of justice.

The rain poured heavily onto the city, ushering a solemn quiet that drowned Joseph’s sorrow. He sat atop the parapet of a long abandoned building which overlooked the city. A deep sigh left his mouth.

“So, this is how it all ends huh?” the man thought. “No money, status, or wife. Nothing to call my own. Nothing to look forward to. All those years of hardship for what? Have I not suffered enough?”

The tantalising scent of dinner wafted from the warm, miniature dots of light below. Children and parents chattered excitedly without a care in the world. And yet, the man was a bird trapped in a cage; his owners had released him from a cage into an enclosure.

A frigid gust of December wind kissed the back of the man’s neck. He wished not to live on the ground anymore. He wished to fly. The man stood upon the ledge overlooking the city. Taking a deep breath, he jumped into a shadowy oblivion.

A man clad in a fox’s mask climbed atop the abandoned building. The Fox saw a man gazing apathetically onto the street below. He knew what was next and what had to be done — running quickly, he grabbed the man’s arm in flight.

“Brother why do you choose to end yourself when there is so much to see in the world?” questioned the Fox.

“An injured bird is destined to never fly whether it is caged or free,” answered the Bird. “I wish not to be both.”

“Would you like to witness the new world with me?” asked the Fox. “One without limits, boundaries, and imprisonment. One where fledglings never fear death. One where we can all fly equally, as a flock. No one shall ever feel the pain of poverty, nor know the fear of thirst. I will guide us to the new world, and I would like you to join me.”

“Who are you?”

“l am God.”

The Bird joined the Fox in a small, dimly lit apartment flat which emanated with a radical joy. A roast pig sat gloriously on the table, stuffed with raisins and apples. People spoke happily with each other, an intoxicating scent of wine drifting through the room. D. felt like a fish out of water — he wanted to run, to escape. This place was not for him. He did not deserve it. Rapidly pacing, sweat dripped from his forehead as his hand clasped nervously to his coat.

“I‘m leaving,” he thought and hurried through the room. “You cannot leave, he is about to speak,” the Bird heard the people say behind him. The light perished as the Fox stood in the centre of the room. He held up one hand, and in a swift motion, lit a match. It burned brightly, fluttering on the walls like transparent, orange butterflies.

“Friends, we gather here today to welcome a new member to our family and to liberate this world of suffering!” declared the Fox, gesturing towards Joseph. “This world has been plunged into an era of darkness where only we stand against evil. See this flame? Mankind’s hopes and dreams burn brightly within us. We are the chosen ones, the ones who will lead humanity through nihility. And tonight, shall be the night we realise the universe’s final plan. We shall eradicate the darkness and establish a new luminous age!”

The winter wind blew violently, beating at the concrete buildings. The bird and the fox walked together down the street.

“Listen God I’m not sure if I can do this,’ stammered the Bird. “I can’t lose more than I already have-”

“Of course you can,” interrupted the Fox, laughing haughtily. “Go, the others have already left. If you have nothing, then dedicate your soul to the betterment of mankind so that no one shall ever suffer as you did. You know this is right, and you know it must be done. How foolish you are to think that good deeds are criminal”.

Joseph felt something slide into his hand, something cold and metal.

“Do what you need to do.”

D. walked down the icy road. It had already started. Screams and flames erupted from the buildings while bright flashes of gunfire tore the night asunder. Sirens blared in the distance and yet, he walked on. Reaching a familiar door, the bird paused and knocked. Smith exited, shocked.

“Please Joseph, you don’t have to do this,” pleaded Smith, his face now terribly pale. “I have money, take whatever you like.”

“Do you know what you took from me? How much pain you have caused?” shouted the man, with a gun in hand. “I could have saved her! That night of the business meeting, you knew the plane was defective, didn’t you? Yet you still sent her there! This is your fault. Her blood is on your hands.”

“Joseph let’s be rational here! The death of your wife had nothing to do with me. I merely just-“

“Silence! I wish not to hear more,” the Bird stammered, hand on trigger. A small head protruded from the door.

“Daddy, who is this stranger at the door?” asked the child curiously.

“It’s just a friend sweety, hurry back inside,” the father ushered his daughter inside. “Joseph, | know we can’t rewind the past but please, let’s move to a better future. I have a family and responsibilities. I can’t leave them now.”

The bird didn’t know what to do; he stood there in silence, his face stuck in pure rage and conflict. A gust of cold wind kissed the back of his neck.

Ah, it’s that time again isn’t it,” D. thought. “I’m going to be seeing you soon.”

Raising his hand, Joseph D. put the gun to his head and fired. The caged bird was finally free.

Image Credit: Max Ernst, L'oiseau en cage, 1924, Oil on sandpaper, 9 2/5 × 7 3/10 in | 24 × 18.5 cm