To the ones I’ve recently lost and still hold so dear....so close.
In the days you all stayed with me, you gave me something unexpected and exquisitely special: proof that love can stretch across species, size, and silence. You became a thread back to deep feelings. I hold you all now gently, in immortal memory.
My sweet kitty, Taos Snow; my forever shadow and precious soulmate, thank you for being the rhythm of my days for so many special years. Your presence was sanctuary, your absence a profound silence that I’m still learning to live in.
To the little black beetle who came to me broken—I saw you. You tried, you slowly improved, and you trusted me enough to try and walk again. I wish I could’ve protected you longer, better. I mourn that I wasn't there to protect you overnight. I found the few remnants left of your vulnerable little life this morning. I had moved your healing little bed from the counter but too close to the floor. You were still unable to protect yourself. I am so deeply sorry.
The precious little fledgling sparrow whose mother had kicked you out of the nest too soon. You fell, so far down. You were hurt. I tried. Then watching the others with a whisper of a chirp and still weak, you managed to fly. Days later, I saw you again perched on my balcony. You stood alone for a long time looking out over the landscape; still looking weak; needing your mother to feed you. You have not come back. But I did see you at my door; I cared and you mattered to me. I'm so sorry you didn't get a strong beginning.
With gratitude and aching love, j.
Epilogue: Yesterday, I found the sweet little fledgling sparrow who had a very tough beginning and very short life. While watering the lilac bushes I saw her lying on the ground. I made a coffin and buried her with a wonderful rock cairn grave marking and flowers. She had a very short life on earth but she was seen and given the respect and dignity missing for so many of us and especially now.
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