Saving Grace

Strident howling I heard and feared it was my cat Ran to the porch to find a ball of fluff at bat A large hawk dive-bombing on a wee baby owl To find it unprotected evoked a fierce scowl I stood between the aggressive hawk and its prey It lunged at me viciously ‘fore it flew away The barn owl sat on my porch, puffing for a while I christened the babe “Grace” and continued to smile She seemed content to stare at me that morn in spring It was at least ten minutes before Grace took wing When summer arrived with exhausting, dreadful heat I was swimming at night when I heard such a treat Grace had never even left my backyard, you see Her repayment for kindness was to croon to me As I moved some years later, I shed a few tears Knowing Grace’s nightly song I’d no longer hear Loyalty is built on faith and trust over time Though she’d once been small, I left her in her prime
*True event. I later learned that owls are very loyal creatures. Written July 29, 2014 and dedicated to Grace.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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A. Sharma Avatar
August 26, 2014 at 11:16 AM
Very touching n lovely write Carolyn, glad the innocent one was saved,, u cud evoke lot of emotions here,, congrats my friend!
Johnson Avatar
August 25, 2014 at 11:58 AM
What a gratifying poem, Carolyn. I am glad it won first place. Love, Joyce
Eastman Avatar
August 25, 2014 at 10:41 AM
Oh... so sad to leave her... But congrats on the win... A very touching piece! This one is my most favorite of them all...
Richards Avatar
August 25, 2014 at 10:16 AM
This warm hearted poem shows your true caring nature........so glad to see this is on the top of the list where it belongs!
Allison Avatar
August 25, 2014 at 4:36 AM
this is so beautiful Carolyn, Many congratulations:-) hugs Jan xxx
Deschler Avatar
August 24, 2014 at 9:21 PM
I was so touched by the beautiful story of how you rescued this baby owl. A lovely dedication to Grace! Congratulations on your first place win, Carolyn!
Comporozos Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 6:37 AM
True and moving in poetic form!
Comporozos Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 6:38 AM
I adore the ending two verses
Comporozos Avatar
August 12, 2014 at 6:37 AM
I dore the ending two verses
Carrillo Avatar
August 3, 2014 at 6:33 PM
Carolyn; This is very nice. You did something good and she never forgot. Sometimes animals are more loyal than people. Thanks for sharing... Lucilla
Mister Roboto Avatar
August 1, 2014 at 6:02 PM
"Loyalty is built on faith and trust over time Though she’d once been small, I left her in her prime" Icing on the cake from you the REFEREE. I must say, It truly has been a pleasure reading and hearing from you over the last 3, almost 4 years. I want to thank you again for all you have done to pull me along. I still see it as you are the Lead Poetess, which I know you will think ridiculous, but if you've learned anything from my unfiltered words, you've learned that Don't hold back!
Williams Avatar
July 31, 2014 at 2:31 PM
Carolyn epic just epic...
Mcintosh Avatar
July 31, 2014 at 11:20 AM
This is SO beautiful. I just love it!!!! Thank you for it and God bless you. I'm happy to discover another animal lover, too!!! Happy writing.
Lindley Avatar
July 30, 2014 at 11:01 PM
My friend , you did it again. Another superb write.. Very sure this will place high . Best of luck!!!
Callus Avatar
July 30, 2014 at 11:43 AM
I love this true story about your friend the owl. Very touching. Yes, she was truly saved by grace! Owls are lovely creatures; an ex-student of mine has a falconry and he keeps owls as well. They are very well looked after. love & peace // paul
Callus Avatar
August 25, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Back with merited congrats, Carolyn, on your top placing! hugs paul
Richards Avatar
July 30, 2014 at 10:20 AM
Last summer, we found a baby owl injured in our back yard... (still not sure how it landed there.. maybe it fell from a nest?) but we nursed it a bit, and then called a wildlife rescue...., which accepted it. I made a little bed in a box, ..and My husband drove 60 miles up the highway to save this poor little guy! I hope he was able to return to nature ! :) Sweet poem !!!! It reminded me of our experience!
Bordner Avatar
July 30, 2014 at 2:17 AM
Owls are magic!Unfortunaty I've never seen an owl in daylight, but they visit my dreams from time to time.Barn owls are so very enchanting with their gorgeous white and speckled brownauburn colors, and black eyed heart faces.I'm glad a beautiful person like you had the good fortune of befriending such an amazing creature Carolyn. I have a tendency to give respect and trust immediately because I'm altruistic, but I will not hesitate to retract if abused.Humans are strange.A very neat poem. J.A.B.
Nehls Avatar
July 30, 2014 at 1:08 AM
This is a great story, Carolyn. I have also read that owls are very loyal and quite territorial and fierce to protect that territory. Yes, you made a wonderful, and loyal friend when you saved that owl. I'm curious. Did you ever name your friend? Loved this one, my friend.... Robert.
Nehls Avatar
July 30, 2014 at 1:41 AM
Now I feel a bit foolish with that question about the name. Just woke up in the middle of the night and it seems my brain is still sleeping. Well, Grace is a beautiful name, Carolyn.
Sivey Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 9:47 PM
It's nice to see you still writing my friend! I am still around here and there but school work has made me scarce from this site as of late! I really enjoyed this tremendous write here my friend! You have written a grandiose piece, I surely loved reading this lovely poem about your loyal companion! I love owls too, they are wonderful creatures! Great Work!!
Chircop Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 2:39 PM
Hi sweet Carolyn.I always knew owls were wise but never knew they could be so loyal too.My baby girl has a special affection for owls.Everytime I tell her a story,there has to be a hooting owl mentioned with its hoo hoo voice.Such a beautiful story told ..and memories remembered.Hope you are fine dear.
Johnson Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 1:18 PM
Since owls live a long time I am sure she is still there waiting your return. Great poem and a winner. Love, Joyce
Smith Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 1:07 PM
Carolyn this is a beautiful piece and a wonderful memory...hugs Tim
Devereau Avatar
July 29, 2014 at 12:48 PM
Hi Carolyn...I love this cute poem...Noelle
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