dailyprompt-2010 – the untold Realities

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

The rain elapsed, followed by a slight sunshine. Having been home all day due to the reduction in job demand by the company I currently work for, I was among those laid off till further notice. Cold and jittery, my mind took the greater part of me. It has been raining all through this month, to the surprise of everyone. Where does the hall of mountain sunshine seem to be suddenly becoming a cold water forest? Maybe it’s climate change. Madrid, the center of Europe, has monotonous weather.

What again is this topic about? * Which animal would I compare myself to and why?

I quickly stepped outside the gate to grace the noon sun, which pelted my spirit and soul and had me in the same position with my body fighting over the best position, which was most enjoyable. Putting my face up directly to the rays of sunlight, eyes closed, wishing that I could be made to lie down in my position for a long period of time, though I was only in front of my house building, resting partially on a parked vehicle. Many passersby understood the importance of the sun to me, judging by their looks towards me, of which I paid no attention. Suddenly there was a bird noise, which reminded me of a particular bird back then in my hometown, usually heard early afternoon and evening, a unique one though. However, that is not the type of animal I am or like to be compared with, but I love its gentle and peaceful nature.

Irrespective of your kind,no animal survives alone.

Even as the memories of hunting them for food in the past resonated in my mind, something I frown at currently because I believe that every animal has the right to life. There sit two birds of the same feather, like the usual words (they flock together), but something stood out that had me in awe, even to the point of taking my mind away from these golden rays of sunshine. I looked furiously towards the birds sitting on telephone cables; it appeared that they were young couples or friends of opposite sexes. It was my first time seeing such intimacy between such animals, even in humans. At first they spoke to each other in their language, then kissed passionately. I became confused because I never believed my eyes. Then they mated, after which they caressed each other by picking each other’s feathers, even to the extent of laying their heads on each other. I froze at my position, not realizing how long I had been gazing at these wonderful birds. Maybe the universe was talking to me indirectly about how life, courtship, friendship, and marriage should be, or maybe I am lost in my own thoughts. I quickly ran inside, having enjoyed the sun and the birds’ companionship…

As humans, we are nothing less than a different animal, but whichever you choose to be, or compared with! Let it be with love, openness, and tolerance for one another; For irrespective of your kinds, no animal survives alone.

What’s the story behind your nickname?

The funny thing about names is that we seldom choose what we are called.

Names are given to us, and if you’re lucky enough to have one you love, congratulations! You’re in the minority. For the rest of us, we often just go along with the names we’ve been given.

Before diving into the topic of nicknames and the stories behind them, I encourage you to read my piece titled *Reason for Your Name* for a better understanding of the article.

Names come into existence through complex emotions, and they are influenced by many factors: circumstances, traditions, events, beliefs, the future, and the state of mind of the person giving the name rather than the person bearing it. Nicknames are no exception.

Be mindful of what you choose to identify with.

Surprisingly, our nicknames can change as we grow older, unlike our birth names and official names. By now, you might be wondering why I haven’t yet revealed my nickname and the stories behind it. The reason is that I have quite a few, each associated with different times and circumstances, chosen by family members, peers, and friends. From “Sir Booyiant” to “Americana” to “British” to “Big,” people have chosen these names based on their experiences, understanding, expectations, and the dynamics of their relationships with me.

However, despite having little control over what nickname people assign to you, you do have the right to reject any name that doesn’t define who you are and what you stand for.