Sunday, June 15, 2008

Ravens in Early Morning

I was up and out walking at 5 a.m. today - the air was clear and crisp - temp. 54, humidity 18%. This is a great time to observe the wildlife around town. The cottontail rabbits are still out and about, the raccoons are heading home, the birds are beginning to awaken in the trees, traffic is very light and the local ravens keep you under observation. At least the crow that used to sing the notes of "Pop Goes the Weasel" hasn't returned yet this spring - it was very disconcerting for a time when the bird followed me to the grocery store and the local bus stops and sang "Pop..." all the time. I know I'm popular with critters, but this was a little much.

Jeffery, my husband, went to an Indian Pow-Wow in Virginia the year before I met him, and was told that the raven was his personal animal totem. While we were dating and married, he often told me he'd come back to haunt me as a crow or raven if he passed away before I did. This morning, as I walked my course of several streets and paths, a large raven flew before me and/or behind me a great part of the way. Since it's Father's Day, I decided that Jeffrey was gracing me with his presence in avian form. As it continued to escort me through various neighborhoods, I started talking to it - and received a few stares from other people out exercising in the coolness of the morning. The raven perched in a tree at the end of my building as I re-entered the apartments ; it was then on the privacy fence when I let my kits out for their morning run.

To all Fathers, Dads, Daddys, Pas, Papas, Pop-pops, Grandads and Grandpas everywhere, I salute you! Happy Father's Day!

No comments: