When I was ten years old, my parents took me to a new park to ride my bicycle. I had finally learnt how to ride without my training wheels and, this park had a track to ride on. That was when I saw you. My father told me to only look at things on my path to keep my balance but, when I saw you standing by the tree instead of playing like the other kids, I could not help but stare. I decided to come over and ask you what was so great with this scene. I got off my cycle and stood next to you. I am sure you did not realize till I gently tapped on your shoulder to ask the question running in my head. Your eyes sparkled with excitement as you answered.
“Do you see those mountains? Beyond them is a place where freedom truly exists. I have heard all about it and, I will go there when I grow up to live my dreams. My dreams run far and wide beyond these mountains. It is the best place in town to look at the mountains, they say. But I stand here dreaming of what lies beyond.”
As a child, I was amazed by your answer. I was confused about whether to stare at you or the scenery that became fascinating after hearing your answer. I turned towards the mountains and stood quietly next to you, staring. Right at that moment, a bird flew up to the sky and straight to the other side. Your words felt closer to reality while watching the bird spread its wings of freedom to go there. People had told me to not talk about what lies past the mountains, but you were not afraid to dream. It made me believe in dreaming again.
I made my parents take me to the park frequently to ride my bicycle. Somehow, I would end up standing next to you and hearing more about your dreams for the city on the other side. I wanted to have a dream to have a reason to go there. More importantly, I wanted to go there to know what freedom truly meant. I had always thought it was the feeling of wind gushing across my face while riding my bicycle with no worries. When you spoke, it seemed far more than that. It was beyond you or me. It was things I have not seen or felt before. The urge to go and find outgrew stronger every day.
It was not long before I grew old and did not bother coming to the park anymore. I forgot about discovering the meaning of freedom amidst the so-called hustle I went through. My dreams were not my dreams anymore. It was the need to be accepted by others and trying not to stand out.
After many years, I came to visit the park today. I walked straight to y(our) tree. The tree was only yours as I did not dare dream beyond what I was told like you. It took me back to the days when I looked beyond what was in front of me and dreamt of bigger things. Finally, I could feel the chill and dull nature of this side. It made me want to tread across the mountains. I remembered the way you spoke and hoped you made it to the other side. No, strike that! I was sure you were on the other side. If I ever make it there, I will come in search of you to thank you. I was tired of chasing after something that was not mine. It was time for me to spread my wings of freedom and experience what it means to be free. All it took was one look at this place to remind me of what I lost. I am coming to the other side, old friend! My journey to the world of freedom that lies beyond the mountain begins now.
World of Jeana 