GOLDEN CAGE
How sweet it is to live our lives in a way that no one can control us, like a child or a servant. We have broken free from the life of being caged, with nowhere to fly. We were once confined under an authority we had no power to oppose. If we did speak out, we faced consequences—like someone with no place to run, constantly hiding from the cruelty of those who never truly loved us.
It could be a toxic relationship where we feel trapped, staying because society will judge us. We hold on, hoping things will change, telling ourselves, “just give it time.” But time passes, and we lose ourselves in the process. We miss out on living the life we deserve, and by the time we realize it, it’s too late to reclaim it. The friends we keep may push us further away from who we are meant to be, turning us into people we barely recognize. Good intentions fade into bad habits—smoking, drinking, clubbing—all leading us further away from the life we once knew.
This golden cage changes us. What we once believed to be true now feels like a lie. We are terrified, shaken, unsure of what to do. All we can do is sit down, lie down, and cry, wishing for the day we set ourselves free. Sometimes, this helps. Other times, we live as though each day might be our last. Freedom feels so distant, and we wonder if we’ll ever find ourselves again. We’ve gone from being young, accomplished individuals to someone who feels older than our years. Everything seems dark, and we find ourselves living in that darkness.
A golden cage looks beautiful—it seems perfect, presenting itself as everything we need. But inside, it is scary, manipulative, and filled with hunger and sorrow. We find ourselves tasting a freedom that feels like it may never come. Yet, we remain trapped, unable to escape. It’s true what they say: all that glitters is not gold. The “gold” we see is often fake, hiding the problems we can’t solve. Life is a journey, and if we stray down the wrong path—whether due to the wrong people or the challenges we face—we may find ourselves lost.
May we open our eyes and realize that not every golden cage is meant for us. Be sure of it before we step in. Don’t get carried away by appearances—take the time to look closely. In this journey of life, caution is key.
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