The brilliant white morning light

Pierces 

Through the clear sliding doors nearby, 

And I

Wince slightly as it comes, releasing a vexed huff. 

 

It is probably about 5:15 AM;

My dull ears can clearly hear the younger child of the house 

Stumbling around 

And

Growling to herself – 

I can’t quite understand the words. 

 

Instinctively, I whine plaintively, 

pawing at the time-worn metal cage. 

Like Pavlov’s famed dog, I am driven 

By my conditioning 

To supplicate for freedom the moment I hear life in the house. 

I can’t tolerate the 

austere 

white 

of my owners’ home for much longer, and my food bowl is, 

lamentably, 

out of reach.

 

By 6:27, they have finally released me 

To relieve myself. 

I am elated 

To be able to experience the agglomeration of colors 

That the outside world brings. 

In their world of monochrome, I see 

An infinite medley of hues, and I 

 

am content.