Tawny Owl
By onemorething
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We are so mysterious; the calls
of tawny owls in conversation
with the night - a sound that fades
in the widening distance of flight -
a farewell; a softer sort of death.
See how I draw kinder symmetries
already to your passing,
to console myself, when I hope
that you were not afraid,
and not alone.
Before, I told you that you reclined,
transcendent, the vision
of a weary goddess, Sulis,
despite hospital gown,
your foot stayed upon a strix,
still determined to fly backwards.
And the last time I saw you
we shared few words - one of us,
beyond them, the other, lost
to them, apart from love, and knowledge
that what is exchanged thickens the air
between us, conveyed by touch and
the coalescence of our shadows.
I heard the caution in the labour
of your breath, the heavy industry
of a heart in quickened pulse,
how I hope that you were not afraid,
and not alone.
We are made of imperfections;
you taught me this forgiveness and
so when also to withhold it.
And that if we are both summer
and winter, their harshness
can be tempered with a breeze
or snow, that where there is darkness,
I must try to find her sister in light,
my song thrush, my tawny owl,
now I wear the funeral dress of crow,
though the past tense does not fit you
yet, but I hope that you were not afraid,
and not alone.
Images are from here: https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Waldkauz_strix_aluco_750pix.jpg
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Comments
In the early mornings, when I
In the early mornings, when I go for a run with the hound and it's still dark, I hear the owls in the trees and it is like they're in conversation with the night. Perfectly put.
I read this and found myself saying out loud, "That's f***ing brilliant." So there you go. That's my imperfectly put reaction to this. Nice one.
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I am so sorry to hear that -
I am so sorry to hear that - how awful. What a terrible year this is. At least you did manage to visit, which no doubt would have meant the world to her.
It's a beautiful poem.
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I hope that you were not
I hope that you were not afraid,
and not alone.
the repetition of those words is so moving. I'm so sorry onemore
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We
(ok I, but I'm sure that you - at least - feel the same) write about these things to try and make sense of them. For ourselves, yes, but if in writing them we can help others then they MUST be written.
Beautiful, layered writing as usual.
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So sorry for your loss,
So sorry for your loss, Rachel. I started writing again to process the loss of my brother last year. It did help and has helped. All we are left with in the end is memories. Savour the good ones and respect the bad ones. They are all part of us.
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Oh Iam so sorry! Your poems
Oh Iam so sorry! Your poems about your friendship are extremely beautiful, as any sonnet or love poem I have read.
While this poem is so tender and deeply from your soul it must make you feel like you are showing a wound to passing strangers, just the beauty of it makes the world a better place? As Insert says, the repetitions of your hope of comfort for your friend, comfort you, will be shared by so many.
I have heard on the radio how care in hospices is so very much better than in hospitals with this disease, it sounds like your friend was in the best possible place
And this poem is so full of life! The barn owl is huge, imperious, fierce and wise. In your heart your friend will always be in the present tense, she is in the core of you and her strength always will be woven in your thoughts
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Dear Rachel,
Dear Rachel,
I can only echo what others have already said and say how sorry I am to hear of your friend. It must be a comfort to know you were able to see her before her passing, even though it doesn't help the devastation of loss.
It was lovely to read a poem about one of my favourite birds, the owl is so wise, spirited and sacred. I think you couldn't have picked a better bird to write about as a tribute.
I do hope you get to have a better year in 2021 and find comfort in writing.
Take care of yourself always.
Jenny. x
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So sorry, Rachel. I echo
So sorry, Rachel. I echo what has been said - this is a beautiful token of love and friendship, and the most wonderful image to hold in your heart. Out of darkness comes beauty, and we are all glad to share in it. Take care xx
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