From my high perch I command all the eye can see. Miles of forest, rivers and land stretch seemingly forever beneath my feet. From my seat among the gods in the craggy mountain peaks I watch animals, birds, and fish as they go about their day, engrossed in their pursuits. Lazily I spread my wings to their full extent I stretch my sinews knotted from a night's sleep and I leap off my perch. As I glide over thermals occasionally swooping low I contemplate all I see before me. There is no one around for miles and the solitude is intimidating. However in my solitude I am master of myself, no constraints no obligations I shed all my inhibitions and live for me not what others want me to be. I am free, free to make my own decisions and am the one who faces the consequences.

My legs straining at the pedals, the chain moving smoothly over the teeth of the cogs and the derailleur dragging the chain over the gears I progress down the road. The empty road is my domain hindered only by the laws of physics I am master of myself. Ahead of me the scenery unfolds as if progressing down the course of a raging river with a wall of trees on my two sides. The surface of the road slowly begins to churn and is transmogrified into a swirling river. I hold my own against the forces intent on dragging me down. As suddenly as it disappeared, the road appears again. The trees remain. The scene extends before me, on the periphery of my vision images whiz past, I turn my head to catch a glimpse and magnificent detail comes forth. I unhook my helmet and the wind blows through my curls. Beads of perspiration are whisked of thoroughly and efficiently.

I swerve from side to side on the road. In the sky stripped of all ties with the earth below I loop, dive and fly free to my hearts content.

Suddenly two, three, four cars appear I am dragged out of my isolation my solitude shattered I pull over and contemplate my ride. Getting back on I ride on. Now I'm back in civilisation back amongst the crowds, the thronging masses engulf me. My senses reeling I slowly pedal back home, brought ingloriously down to earth.

Far below a marksman loads his weapon and brings it to his shoulder, the eagle flies into view. Taking careful aim he squeezes the trigger. A lone shot cries out. Far above the eagle feels a sharp crack on the wing. All thoughts shattered it struggles in vain to gain control, in slow circles it begins it's last ignominious descent. It slumps to the ground. Soon scavengers will move in over the carcass