The Owl & Me

The Owl & Me I felt my heart whisper, "Here I belong" That Camp Verde night when I first heard the song At first, soft as a breeze, from the distance As I sat in the circle enjoying the dance Then louder, more persistent, until I had to go Whatever it was that was calling, I had to know Elder eyes watched my leaving, had they heard the sound Slipping into the shadows, not knowing where I was bound Further from campfire, still in tune with the drum I heard the urgent whisper, hurry, now hurry, and come An unseen hand halted me beneath a juniper tree It was here in its shadows, I saw what called to me There in it’s lower branches, staring deep into my soul Was an Owl with a feather coat of snow, eyes black as coal She bade me sit and listen, I did so without fear For as she spoke to me, my path was made clear I know there are many who are frightened by her song Who say she is evil, but I know that they are wrong She soothes my heart when I am feeling lost and all alone In her steady gaze, I am strengthened, though weary to the bone I look to her for guidance when all hope seems lost I tell her all my woes, when I've been battered and tossed I feel a calmness when I am near her, my mind is free Our hearts sing the same song, the Owl and me Catherine Lilbit Devine © September 21, 2005