love comes in different shades and sizes
it can be found in the darkest of places,in the least of spaces:
a crow who befriended me, who
tolerated my species was visiting mein the mornings. she was underneath the
feeders this morning lying on the ground.
i noticed that she seemed to be injured because
in seeing me approach her she flapped her wings
but was seemingly unable to roll over and amble.
i was going to remain at a distance and observe her.
sometimes these birds can mend and thrive without
human intervention. the day had been forecasted to
develop into an oppressively hot day and evening.
dusk came and i went out to check on her. still on her
side, i petted her around the nape area of her back.
her lamenting eyes looked up at me, with gloves on
i lifted her to looked underneath her wings and noticed
the talons on her feet were clenched tightly as if she
had a stroke, maybe from the oppressive heat.
this being a Sunday evening, pet refuge centers
were not accessible at least near me and so in
a human empathetic attempt to comfort her,
i placed fresh water in a shallow pan next to her
and laid some seed around her. lastly, i placed
a mesh laundry basket over her as a protective measure
from potential predators, debris falling on her
and some protection from elements of the weather
the next morning i went to check on her.
sadly, i observed underneath the basket, her eyes open
her talons clenched, her soul had departed
i left around her fresh bird seed and a flower
RIP my friend !
OH, this is lovely...sad, sweet, and this is life, we help when we can but it isn't always enough... though it was a welcomed kindness. Little things like that show a person's heart.
ReplyDeleteHow sad but also so beautiful. You reached out to a fellow traveler of this Earth and helped him on his way. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to any vulnerable or suffering creature, and more so to the human suffering we see each time we hear the daily news. Thank you for sharing your compassion with us.
ReplyDeleteGlad you helped. So sad but well written.
ReplyDeleteWe might try and do our best.. but sometimes it's all in vain.. still we should always keep trying. always.
ReplyDeleteOh I see his "lamenting eye", and bless you for your kind heart - he went out having been cared for by a kind amigo. I love that you left him some seed and a flower.
ReplyDeleteSad because it reminds me of the hidden truth ,of the number of old people , who die alone in hospitals and nursing homes.
ReplyDeletemy quiet intention for this piece was allegorical. this actually occured but my motivation behind writing this was the recollection of the vision still in my minds eye of that childs limp body washed ashore. one of many attempting to find a land where calm resides and the possibility to grow up as contributing human being yet he didn't make it. we must all care
DeleteAww-- yes. Yes.
ReplyDeleteSo sad and moving ~ I am glad you helped out in some way ~
ReplyDeleteSo sad, the crow's lamenting eyes, the small child's body on the shore. So beautiful, your heart that cares. Thank you, mi amigo.
ReplyDeleteSo sad, the crow's lamenting eyes, the small child's body on the shore. So beautiful, your heart that cares. Thank you, mi amigo.
ReplyDelete