On Friday, I had a ceremony for Spanky the sparrow who flew into my friend's window, and I went to the location, took care of the little guy, held a ceremony with Buddhas and frogs, and left $2 in fortunes for a lottery ticket or two. This is bird 3. I'm the bird man, and our prayer services get better with every bird.
But Oliver, the Opossum...I was a little more reserved. I had a session to give at NCTE in the morning, so left him at the end of the driveway, hoping the town would rid him for me. Alas, when I returned, he was still there, and I knew it was my duty. My road can be a busy street as people cut through from one major artery of Stratford into another. All the cars were steering wide of Oliver. So, I tied a scarf or two around my face and got him in a proper Staples box. I then said a few prayers and brought him to a burial space away from my home. I was sorry that his tail didn't quite fit, but that is okay. His soul was elsewhere. And then I became paranoid that it is illegal to dump dead opossum in an unattended park by the creek. I wondered if anyone called the police on me as I parked my green Subaru (hard to miss) at the ancestral grounds of Stratford vermin.
Spanky and Oliver, phew. I'm sorry that your lives were taken as they were, and I take comfort that I was able to bring some humanly kindness your way. We humans tend to be what we are, but some of us are paying attention. At times, we can be decent creatures. Not always. But on occasion.
Yes, I've been online for 3 days now attending and presenting, and have 3 more to go, but when I'm not on ZOOM, learning, being engaged, and growing as a professional, I am thinking of what is right out my door. To do right. To pay respects. To honor the reality that is.
Bless. That is all I have this Sunday morning. Bless.
Gone too soon. A reminder. May you crossover without obstacle, conflict, or strife. This, a dedication to two woodland creatures --- may they rest in peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment