Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The Owl

Dad, I breathed into the phone, I was sitting on the stoop
(smoking alone into the dark of the middle of the woods),
and I heard the craziest, freakiest noise. Really? he asked.
What did it sound like? I tried my best to imitate. Well,
he said gravely, I have good news, and I have bad news.

The good news is that what you heard was only an owl.

The bad news, he added, is that the Native Americans
referred to that particular owl as the Messenger of Death.

**Linking with Poetry Jam,where the prompt of "owl" reminded me of this little story from my days as a single mom. It's one of my very favorites about my dad because it captures the wise but unpredictable spirit of the man.
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16 comments:

  1. GabriellaMarch 19, 2014 at 11:43 AM

    You have penned quite an eerie story in your poem, Brandee! I like how the reassuring does not last long.

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  2. Brian MillerMarch 19, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    ha. gee thanks dad....lol...there are def things i have heard in the night that gave me pause...growing up in the woods i am pretty used to most of them...but i have been afraid when surprised by something...not a good omen eh? smiles.

    did you get the ice on sunday/monday?

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  3. Laurie KolpMarch 19, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    Uh-oh!

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  4. kaykualaMarch 19, 2014 at 1:28 PM

    Am not surprised as the owl is seen as mysterious and intimidating! Nicely Brandee!

    Hank

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  5. MaryMarch 19, 2014 at 1:52 PM

    Well, that is a little bit chilling. Yikes!

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  6. Sherry Blue SkyMarch 19, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    Oh that gives me a chill.....makes me think of I Heard the Owl Call My Name, which is about that very thing....owls presaging death. So well done.

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  7. alan1704March 19, 2014 at 2:46 PM

    Excellent, this really captures the moment, the emotion of a special time.

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  8. PeggyMarch 19, 2014 at 4:01 PM

    I really like this short and sharp-ending poem. Just so well stated.

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  9. Farmgirl PaintsMarch 19, 2014 at 8:51 PM

    I had no idea that the owl was tied with death. This is the second time I've heard that today. Hmmmmm.

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  10. AnonymousMarch 19, 2014 at 10:08 PM

    Beautiful. Thank you. I needed this as a nice closure to a chaotic day.

    Peace <3
    Jay

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  11. rebecca @ altared spacesMarch 20, 2014 at 12:35 AM

    Holy #$^&*@! That terrified me!

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  12. elizabethMarch 20, 2014 at 1:35 AM

    This short poem drew me right into that moment. I also love the picture of your dad it gave me.

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  13. Gillena CoxMarch 20, 2014 at 4:35 AM

    Nice one, luv the eerie mood, and dramatic cut off

    Much love...

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  14. Sumana RoyMarch 20, 2014 at 7:13 AM

    magic and mystery nicely captivated...

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  15. HelenMarch 20, 2014 at 5:26 PM

    Love where you went with this ... nice.

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  16. SaravMarch 21, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    Great painting of a special moment. Screech owls are especially scary.

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