The oriental poppies are strutting their stuff throughout the wide curve of my garden.
18June2010Fri
Sharp rap from the living room window; I rush out of the office and see a woodpecker in what strikes me as its death throes on the grass. Throwing on my plaid jacket and a pair of gardening gloves, I hurry out to get it to safety, though we don’t see the cats around the house often these days and old Casper doesn’t bother it.
But its eye is half closed when I get there, and lifeless. It’s dead.
I cry. I apologize.
I stomp my foot, shake my fist. Fucking windows!
It’s okay (and more normal than not) to feel sorrow and regret at the senseless death of a bird, but I’m a little surprised at the tears.
I don’t know why I’m surprised.
***
I go out with some dried carnations, looking for a place to put them. There is an earthenware jug hanging on the stump of an oak tree’s branch; I go to stick them in and notice what appear to be leaves inside. Before emptying the jug I peer more closely. Could a small bird have built a nest in there? It’s dark inside the jug; is that a bird’s beak I see? An outline takes shape — it’s a mouse.
I shriek repeatedly and march rapidly away across the lawn, knees high.
Then I laugh at myself.
Lovely frilly poppies. Sad about the birdie though.
ReplyDeleteBeauty, some tears, and a laugh. Great post!
ReplyDeleteB
Sorry about the bird. I had the same problem with my large living room windows until I got blinds put up. Collisions are now rare. I sometimes miss the clear outdoor view, but what can you do?
ReplyDeleteMy poppies are slow this year. But they are thinking about opening up!!!
I love your blog!
Kate
Our yard is private, so we don't need curtains -- but maybe we'll have to get blinds because I really, really hate the bird decimation.
ReplyDeleteHad to chuckle when I read your mouse adventure. I dont't think I would run outside but I hate them in the house.We had a bad time with Deer Mice three or four years ago and eventually got all the junk out of the basement and have solved the problem. They rank in the same catagory as ticks. Snakes and Rats are not welcome either. I could evict Bats as well because of the Rabies problem. We had one in church one Sunday last summer though most everyone thought it was a bird flying around near the high ceiling. Do you think the mice may be trying to find a dry place to live this year?
ReplyDeleteLooks like the weather is finally giving you a break. Too bad about the bird, why is it we all scream when we see a mouse? Too funny. Hope now that summer's here the sun will stay high in the sky.
ReplyDelete