A Couple in Flight

 I was on an early train to the office.  It is one of those clear and crisp winter days.  The sky is very blue, and I can see the distant buildings.  I noticed the sky was empty in the morning.  Perhaps I should know that birds fly more later in the day, especially in the evenings.  I was approaching my train switching station, Shinjuku.  In the distant sky, I saw two large birds flying close to each other.  One of the birds was circling the other one as if it was following and guarding the rear of the leading bird.  I thought to myself; these two birds must be a couple.  The one flying behind would circle the one in front, but occasionally, it would take the lead.  Then, it would fall back into the following position.  Like a couple, one of them seems to be protecting the other.  And from time to time, it would lead the way.  I try to imagine what their views from up there would be.  It must be fantastic.  The two look like a family on a trip and having fun; they are free to fly at whatever altitude and speed they like.  Seeing them that way, I felt an instance of freedom.  I felt free as well.  There is no limit whatsoever to where those two birds can go.  When they are tired, they can rest on top of any tree, a roof, or by the river.  If they become hungry, they can pick up insects, fruits, and seeds along the way: no reservation need and no need to wait in line for anything. I thought to myself, and I wish my travel could be so easy, too.  In a few minutes, I feel nature is beautiful, and togetherness is so much richer for any living creature.