The Starling

"No," said the starling; "I can't get out, I can't get out," said the starling.

I do not know why I am so fascinated, so attached to this little passage from Laurence Sterne's 'A sentimental journey through France and Italy'.

It is beautifully written, true, but there is something about the starling that strikes a chord in me. The starling's plaintive cry, "I can't get out," serves as my gtalk status. But, you see, I do not feel (and have never before felt) like a caged bird that wants out but cannot.

No, my cage has a door that I know I can open, should I try just a little harder. Only, I do not dare.