For better or worse, it never occurred to me that I was wearing a mask for this picture last night.
Tanka: Trust
For better or worse, it never occurred to me that I was wearing a mask for this picture last night.
Polonius got that one right...
Ponderings to Keep
Reflections on my life as a teacher, reader, writer.
Polonius got that one right...
Polonius got that one right...
Polonius got that one right...
Blogging my way through the year
Polonius got that one right...
Polonius got that one right...
shouting my heart out for all who may listen
Polonius got that one right...
Lit On Fire!
"It would be nice if you could just ravel out into time."
Polonius got that one right...
Yet There is Method 
There is so much to this picture here: the tenuous trust between you and the owl, the respect for its power, the joy and wonder of being in the presence of such a creature. Love this.
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I saw this on Twitter and wanted to come back to it to comment. The picture is striking (mask or not). The poem really gives a feeling of what the experience means to you and gives a glimpse of it to those like me who have never known it.
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Diane, it really is an amazing experience. 🙂
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I wonder if you are working with a rehab center, Tim. The trust that crosses between must be felt which you showed so well in your tanka.
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Linda, I work with the Rise Raptor Project here in north Alabama. It’s an education organization that focuses on stewardship and conservation. I’ve worked with that bird for more than five years now, so we do have a level of trust–I’m thankful for the opportunity every time I pick him up.
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Wonderful! Beautiful bird. Glad you commemorated the moment 🙂
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I can sense the power just by looking at the photo … the owl is gorgeous. Metaphors that come immediately to mind on your caption are “the grip of COVID” and “the wisdom of wearing a mask”… trust, every which way.
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Fran, those would be fitting metaphors. He is a powerful, gorgeous bird, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with him.
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I have been fascinated by owls for a very long time. When I was a young teacher we had movies that were rented from the county library for schools, the ones about owls were fantastic. But we switched and I never had the information about their titles etc and it was too late to track them down. Perhaps today Youtube and Google might help. Those who work with them to share with children or rehabilitate the injured ones are brave in my opinion. Their variety in size and color and habits are also interesting to learn about. I am wondering if this is the first time interacting with this owl or if you volunteer to help? Maybe this owl is more adjusted to people? You are braver than I, but your Tanka is powerful. Trust is something we need desperately.
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Janet, I agree with you that owls are fascinating! I’ve worked with this particular bird for around five years now through an organization called Rise Raptor Project here in north Alabama. He’s been handled since he was very young, so there is a great degree of trust. For that–and the opportunity to work with him–I’m thankful!
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Whoa! Amazing! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Wow! I love raptors. You really made me feel some of the awe that comes with connecting that closely to a wild animal.
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Thanks, Laura. I love raptors as well, and am glad to have the opportunity to work with them!
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What a huge and powerful bird. He seems quite at home, though I sense a little unease on your part? Great picture and tanka.
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Thanks, Janice. I’m comfortable with him since we’ve been together for more than five years, but I still need to be mindful to make sure he’s comfortable with me!
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All I can say is lucky, lucky, lucky you…and the owl, too. I’ve banded wee songbirds, but have never “held” a raptor. It’s on my list!
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All you have to do is hop in the car!
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