Struggling Seagulls

            I was witness to a peculiar spectacle; it reminded me of my own life in a strange way. It was windy that day on the beach, and the seagulls were struggling in the air. An entire flock fought the wind, desperate to fly. They flapped their wings frantically, but they were going nowhere. It seemed as if they were suspended by invisible strings, unable to move.

            At times I am like the seagulls; held back, incapable of moving forward. I yearn to fit in, to soar effortlessly among the others of my kind. But there is something stopping me. Some invisible force is holding me back; keeping me from spreading my wings and taking flight.

            This is my metaphor for high school. I am the seagull, unable to conquer my enemy. The wind is not what’s holding me back though, it is fear. My fear is so strong it paralyzes me, and I cannot make up my mind on what to do. So I do nothing. This fear I have is of rejection, of not being accepted, of being disliked-- even hated.

            One of the seagulls had begun to make progress flying forward, but soon the wind pushed him even farther back. At times, when I think I am finally getting somewhere, and a friendship is blooming, I am soon discouraged because it falls to pieces. Thus my fear is refueled, and for a while after I shrink away from others, afraid. Afraid of being hurt again.

           Eventually, the seagulls gave up, landed awkwardly, and stood scattered around on the beach. I hope that I am not like them in this way; for if I give up I shall surely be lonely for the rest of my life. I pray that I will have the strength to overcome this invisible obstacle, so that I may take off and fly without fear among friends.