He was alive the first time we met, early this morning. He was sitting, stunned, on the side of the road. I swung my car around to have a closer look.
He did not resist being lifted.
I was momentarily hopeful.
There was no blood, no crushed wing.
But when I put him safely at the base of a tree in a vacant yard, he was already tipping towards another world. I stroked his silky grey feathers and told him he was beautiful and loved. I asked for him to be taken care of.
9 hours later, I went to find out if he was still by the tree. He was. And his eyes were now vacant. I picked him up again and we drove home to the dignity of final rest in the ivy patch.
On the ride home, because I believe such things, I asked that his red-breasted soul be sent as a gift to my mother from me. She always loved the season of spring.
What a sweetheart you are, this brought tears to my eyes. Whenever a bird flies into our windows and lies there stunned I sit the other side of the glass willing it to live, talking to it until it either flies off or passes away.
ReplyDeleteSo poignant and beautiful! You continue to amaze me with your kindred spirit when it comes to befriending and tending the creatures of this world. Bless you!
ReplyDeleteHow tender and loving. Blessed bird on wings traveled to be with your mother. Tears!
ReplyDeleteand because i believe in such things, i have no doubt he is with your mom right now, no doubt he was waiting for you.
ReplyDeletexoxo
I love the way you do this, surely you are their spirit guide, and surely yes, your mother is listening to robin song. xoxo
ReplyDeletea lovely tribute to your mom. diane
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