*I wanted to get another shot at this prompt since last time I wasn’t so good at it*

nobody is ever free.

they are always burdened by the next step in life.

that little “to-do list”that they’ve pushed to the back of their brains,

just to lighten the load of life.

even if it’s just by a little.

that girl who just got out of jail is not free,

she is burdened by the memories of torture they did to her.

that little boy who escaped his abusive parents is not free,

he is burdened by the memories of being beaten and abused.

that woman who escaped life willingly is not free,

she is burdened by the cries of the ones who loved her.

and animals are even less free,

burdened by these invasive humans tearing down their territory,

hunting and killing off all of their species,

using their closest friends and family for science projects.

the birds are not free.

they are trapped by the temperatures that send them migrating.

the land animals are not free.

they are burdened by the constant task of needing to look for food.

pets are even less free.

domesticated animals are constantly burdened by having to listen to their owners,

being scolded for things they were breeded to do,

like hunting smaller animals.

that cat you see walking on the sidewalk over there?

it is more free than your own house pet, being able to do as it wishes.

you see,

haven’t you ever thought about it?

the concept of “freedom” can never be achieved,

for we are always following the lead of someone far greater than ourselves,

such as that idol you’re always listening to twenty four seven,

or even the laws listed by the constitution and president,

or He above.

so,

think again whenever you say the word “freedom.”

there are synonyms that describe what we have far greater.