I didn’t love the default phone ringtones. I edited a blackbird call and crowbarred it into my phone. Any signs of obsessiveness l’m counting on you to let me know 💕
Sounds like the old bird fell out of the nest early and had to make its own way. The ground is a dangerous place when one is made for the trees and sky. Well done, Cousin. You gave me lots to reflect on in this piece.
It was a little more cryptic than I intended, Yael. I was hoping to say that all adults who experienced a rough childhood and have built successful, happy lives, still carry around certain defensive reactions until the end of their days whether they want to or not. Happy Sunday to you, my friend.
Maybe. But anyone, really, who had a particularly rough childhood. It comes back to haunt any adult. Old self-defense habits become ingrained. ( Hang on tight.)
I fell out of a pear tree in Wichita several years back. Not a good tree to climb and I fell flat on my back. As soon as I caught my bresth, I started counting my rings, to see if I remembered who got what.
I like the idea of a bird surveying her life...like a human, but with a different view. We all do it, and we are amazed that we survived. I have come to believe that every child is the collateral damage of chaos. Our parents had no clue. Nor did we, when we raised our children, and...aha! They survived, too! Excellent writing, Sharron!
"...every child is the collateral damage of chaos..." Such a sad, sad statement, and I suspect you are right. To different degrees we are all subjected to this chaos of childhood. It's inescapable. But as you say, we look at our own children and are so proud of them. They have become such good, good people... perhaps in spite of how they were raised?🙄
Dual personality. 1. elder human climbs tree. 2. avian bones: not human, bird, not happy with childhood. Either way, creatures have childhood. That both have "childhood" rarely occurs to thought process... or that both could live through turbulent time with emotion about survival. Nuthatches and Woodpeckers climb bark, down or up on the hunt. Do they struggle like humans learning to ride a bike? Is bark their only grocery or do they catch treats in flight too, like Barn Swallows? Now you've got me wondering about the others, who learn to NOT crash on a branch when landing, and plan how to hold on different diameter branches, or wires, or wild plants.... How do they plot/scheme their survival through swarms of tornadoes like we just had in Illinois, Indiana. 50 words carefully chosen... brain cells throwing those around all day. (You've done it again )))) )
As many birds live here, I never considered their individual ages, or intents, or thoughts, or skills beyond flight and song. Inclusion of word "avian" shifted the whole perception of the character of the climber. )) let the reader assume for short time, then flip the whole critter into something ELSE. Brilliant one more time ))))
You are such a kind person, Kate. My ancient bones often feel bird-like these days. Maybe it is preparation for the final flight. ha ha ha . I never thought of that. 🙄
I didn’t love the default phone ringtones. I edited a blackbird call and crowbarred it into my phone. Any signs of obsessiveness l’m counting on you to let me know 💕
👍🏻 You got it.
Sounds like the old bird fell out of the nest early and had to make its own way. The ground is a dangerous place when one is made for the trees and sky. Well done, Cousin. You gave me lots to reflect on in this piece.
😘 And your comment gave ME something to think about.
The old trees stand year after year, steady for us all. Beautiful, Sharron.
Thanks, Parker!
Is it a bird, is it a cat, or you or me? Clinging to a tree was the best.
It was a little more cryptic than I intended, Yael. I was hoping to say that all adults who experienced a rough childhood and have built successful, happy lives, still carry around certain defensive reactions until the end of their days whether they want to or not. Happy Sunday to you, my friend.
Really cool version of Black Bird. Was Katy your inspiration for this story?
Maybe. But anyone, really, who had a particularly rough childhood. It comes back to haunt any adult. Old self-defense habits become ingrained. ( Hang on tight.)
Oh so true. And it's difficult to dispel those habits when raising the next generation.
I agree.❤️
I fell out of a pear tree in Wichita several years back. Not a good tree to climb and I fell flat on my back. As soon as I caught my bresth, I started counting my rings, to see if I remembered who got what.
Oh no!! I hope you weren't hurt. I brought back an unwelcome memory... darn it.
No worries. We laughed about it.
👍🏻
I like the idea of a bird surveying her life...like a human, but with a different view. We all do it, and we are amazed that we survived. I have come to believe that every child is the collateral damage of chaos. Our parents had no clue. Nor did we, when we raised our children, and...aha! They survived, too! Excellent writing, Sharron!
"...every child is the collateral damage of chaos..." Such a sad, sad statement, and I suspect you are right. To different degrees we are all subjected to this chaos of childhood. It's inescapable. But as you say, we look at our own children and are so proud of them. They have become such good, good people... perhaps in spite of how they were raised?🙄
Dual personality. 1. elder human climbs tree. 2. avian bones: not human, bird, not happy with childhood. Either way, creatures have childhood. That both have "childhood" rarely occurs to thought process... or that both could live through turbulent time with emotion about survival. Nuthatches and Woodpeckers climb bark, down or up on the hunt. Do they struggle like humans learning to ride a bike? Is bark their only grocery or do they catch treats in flight too, like Barn Swallows? Now you've got me wondering about the others, who learn to NOT crash on a branch when landing, and plan how to hold on different diameter branches, or wires, or wild plants.... How do they plot/scheme their survival through swarms of tornadoes like we just had in Illinois, Indiana. 50 words carefully chosen... brain cells throwing those around all day. (You've done it again )))) )
Oh, thank you, Kate. This very short piece turned out a bit more complex than I'd intended. I love your comments, your comparison of birds and humans.
As many birds live here, I never considered their individual ages, or intents, or thoughts, or skills beyond flight and song. Inclusion of word "avian" shifted the whole perception of the character of the climber. )) let the reader assume for short time, then flip the whole critter into something ELSE. Brilliant one more time ))))
You are such a kind person, Kate. My ancient bones often feel bird-like these days. Maybe it is preparation for the final flight. ha ha ha . I never thought of that. 🙄