Some very personal feelings on seeing this image:
1) Growing up, Ganesh, i used to read a lovely series of stories about Thama, the marii aaney, by Kamala Laxman - illustrated by RK Laxman. It informed a lot of my affinity for this species, early on. But none of my images ever evoked that feeling in me (after i came back from the field). But this one, yours, did that just now. And memories of Thama came rushing back - especially when it willfully wanders off and finds itself in unsure, unfamiliar territory. When an image can evoke such a powerful memory or emotion, it must be truly special. This one, to me, is.
2) this seems like a metaphor for the journey one is on. lots to transcend, grow into... and a path that curves into hazy oblivion (or so it seems) and maybe a calling lies beyond... contrasting the gritty nature of the little form.
i may discover further layers of my own mind when i see this image in the future... which is at once lonely and endearing.
thanks!
A