My High School Life

An anonymous  reader submitted this not too long ago through Guerrilla Mail. I think this holiday week-end is s great time to post it, as it has a surreal prose aspect which the author offers a philosophical view of himself and others around him. Take your time and absorb his words, where he uses a variety of symbolism to express his emotions. 

Comment with your thoughts and interpretations.

Eric

My name is Cameron, and I really would like to show everyone something from my youth.

I had been rummaging through old essays I wrote as a high school student, and I came across one that really saddened me. It made me sad because it was a short story I remember writing. The story was about my high school life, but it was titled, simply, "Puma". I think I will explain what this story means another time if you would like, but I'm just wondering what you all think, without any context, this story is explaining? I was 16 when I wrote this, but it resonates with me even today.



There was once a Puma.

This baby Puma grew in a calm , beautiful environment and land, and had many friends of different species of animal. They all helped each other, growing up in the same beautiful land that taught young animals how to grow up and become a part of the wild.

The young Puma had light silver fur of the most luxurious quality, and soft brown eyes. He was always complimented for this. But the Puma was humble. Rather than flaunt his fur, he simply thanked and moved on.

But, as he grew up, something changed. His other animal friends became jealous of his fur. In an effort to make him feel less than them, they would toss dirt into his fur or push him into mud, tarnishing his silver fur. Until finally, rather than laugh and move on, he did something he never thought he could.

He bit back.

His friends were shocked. Why would he do this? Had he become crazy? They were only joking with him. Making his fur dirty and treating him like nothing was all a prank, they would argue. But the Puma knew the truth.

They were jealous.


His hair became gray.


One of his eyes became gray.


He decided to run away from his home and find somewhere else. He became so desperate to find somewhere new, he would accept the next land he came across. He stopped when he saw a new place that was teaching animals; by this time he was a teenager, reaching close to adulthood. His hair was matted and had twigs.


This new land was a more barren desert. It wasn't like the lush land of his old home, but he was content. He became a part of them and learned more about becoming a mature creature. Perhaps he could make new friends. But immediately, he noticed many facts.


There were only a few main animals there; sheep, monkeys, and bulls.


The monkeys were those who found learning to be meaningless, and preferred to play games, steal, and cheat their way through life.


The bulls were those who were too stubborn to be taught, and felt they already had the skills, when in reality, all they knew was how to run forward.


Finally, the sheep. The sheep fell between the bulls and monkeys. They followed the rest not because they wanted to or thought it was right, but because they thought it was acceptable or expected of them. Sure, they had their own personalities and interests. But if it meant going to the latest party that meant nothing in the long run, or joining a group just to belong, they would accept it. They would accept being established as a certain title or clichè.


The Puma would not.


He realized he was truly alone in this place. Rather than focusing on friends in this desert, he focused on becoming an adult and maturing, to leave this place. Eventually, he grew a disdain for the other bulls, sheep, and monkeys. "Why should others tell me how to act and control my interests, just for a few friends?" He saw the bigger picture that no one else could. He focused on getting stronger, and he did. He focused on getting faster, and he did. He focused on getting smarter, and he did.


His hair became black.


His once warm brown eyes became a cold gray.


As his skills sharpened, other animals would finally take notice of him. They would finally take a glance and come to understand his grandeur, even if only for a moment.


But the hardened Puma would not look back. He had his goals now, but he wanted to be known. He no longer wanted everyone to see him as a friend, but a predator that should be feared. He gained a voice now. With an explosive roar fueled by a broken heart, he openly dared anyone to challenge his strength. The time to be hidden and secluded was over. The bulls, of course, were the first to accept.


They charged him with all of their might. But the Puma was smarter. He jumped over them, letting them smash into the trees and boulders across the desert.


The monkeys were next. They used their jeers and clever insults to bring him down. But the Puma was not effected. He already knew what it was like to be dejected. With a mighty paw, the monkeys were sent flying to the ground from their high palm trees.


Now there was the sheep. With the bulls and monkeys losing the challenge, the sheep had no one to follow but the Puma. They pleaded for his friendship, and to teach them how he became so strong, fast, and smart.


His only reply was a rage and sorrow-filled roar. It was too late for them to be his friend, he would say. He added that they only want to save their soft, brittle hides. He spoke of how their ways of following others disgusted him to his core. Before he could end the challenge for good, another roar from the distance could be heard. The Puma paused, wondering who here could produce such a powerful sound.


A silver Lion stood tall and proud, just like the Puma.


The Puma would question, "Who are you, strong Lion?"


The Lion would reply, "I am you, Puma. We were one and the same, only I did not allow the animals of the lush land to taint my thoughts. I ignored the teasing, and helped them become honorable adults. If you want to be as strong as me, do the same."


The Puma would openly laugh, his grey eyes glaring coldly, "Stronger than the Puma? There is no such thing." he would boast. "I am greater than the bulls, sheep, and monkeys. You are not so different.


The Lion replied, "This is true, you are greater than the bulls, sheep, and monkeys. But I know your life, Puma. You are indeed, the victim. Let me show you."


The Puma bared his fangs and lunged. The two engaged in a long, powerful match of skill. They were moving so precise and strong that the defeated bulls, monkeys, and sheep that watched could not keep up with their eyes.


However, the Lion was the one who won. What's more, while the Puma had scratches and bleeding, the Lion remained untouched.


The Puma hung his head and begged, "Finish me, Lion. You have won the challenge."


The Lion shook his head, "That is not the way of the Pride. The Pride are all of the fierce animals, such as Panthers, Leopards, and Cheetahs. Pumas, as well. In this way, we are brothers. Rather than put down others, we must help those in need. That does not mean you have to be their friend. It also does not mean they should fear you. Do you understand now, Puma?"


The Puma nodded and rose, "I do understand, Lion."


And so, the Puma would become silent. From then on, he would assist those in need, without befriending them. He did not desire the acceptance that many did, until he became an adult and moved on with the next stage of life. He would start anew in other lands, regaining the sense of friendship he felt long ago.



His hair became light silver.


His eyes turned brown.

I do remember giving this to my teacher as an English story assignment. After telling her what it meant, she became emotional. Though she was known for reacting intensely.

If you would like me to talk about what this means, I will do so another time. What do you think I meant in this story?

Anonymous