Waiting for Death
Posted on September 6, 2018
by Linda Lee Lyberg
42 Comments
She perches in a crook of the mesquite tree with the gnarled bark surrounding her. A brilliant flash of green with a rosy face. There is an aura about her, eyes once alert to every move now glazed, beseeching. A black crow sits above her, head cocked watching with one golden eye. Waiting.
I pray that death takes her soon for I don’t want her to suffer. All the flock has left her here, do birds sense when a life may soon be over? Is this the reason for their desertion?
It’s said we come into the world alone, we go out alone. But she is not alone for I, the silent observer, the seer of death so many times, am here. The reaper is drawing nigh. I weep and pray for her spirit to greet the heavenly sky where forever she will soar on the perfumed summer wind.
life ebbing with setting sun
©2018 Linda Lee Lyberg
Author’s Note: In the room where I write, there is a window that looks out on a Mesquite tree. This is the second lovebird that has come to this particular spot in the tree to die. I believe they feel safe and can go in peace.
Beautiful and sad, Linda. ❤
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Thank you Penny.
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How amazing that two lovebirds have come to the tree to die! I love the juxtaposition of the brilliant green and rose of the lovebird and the black crow.
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Thank you Kim. I know. Nature is incredible.
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It is always so sad waiting and watching for a other being to die, to wish for an end to their suffering. This Poem touched me deeply. Thank you for posting to my prompt.
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Thank you Toni. Yes, it certainly is.
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So beautiful and kind, it is so lovely you stayed with the bird and guarded her spirit’s safe passing to the other side xxx
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It’s sad, but part of life.
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I once read an essay by Robert James Waller about Orange Band, the last Dusky Seaside Sparrow, and his lonely demise. As did this poem, it touched my heart.
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Thank you.
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Nice description of the deserted, dying bird and this line of the haiku: “life ebbing with setting sun”
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Thank you Frank.
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So touching!
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Thank you Jo.
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Bearing sacred witness – lovely
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Thank you.
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I love your piece Linda. You have a sweet compassionate heart! You are doing Hospice for your birds.
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Thank you Dwight. I’m humbled by your kindness.
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Yes they feel safe. I believe it. That waiting to die is a terrible time.
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Yes, to be sure. Thank you Grace.
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You must feel so powerless to do anything. I often wonder where all the little birds go to die. Often a mate will watch over them.
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Yes, I do. But I’ve learned to not interfere with the process. Thank you.
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i never knew of such a thing, I was mesmerised by your narrative and poem Linda.
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Thank you Gina.
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Your witness to a lovebird’s death is compelling, Lynda.
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…Linda!
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😊
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Thank you.
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I believe lovebirds mate for life – perhaps hers has died.. such a sad picture of oneness.
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Yes, they do generally. Thanks Kerry.
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Perfect reflection for the prompt. Love the poetic prose.
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Thank you.
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It is sad to watch them die. But special that your tree is the safe place they choose to do it.
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Yes, it is a peaceful tree.
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What a moment to be… almost a privilege but a very sad one to be the silent observer.
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Yes, thank you Bjorn.
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This brings tears, but yet what a blessing to be an observer to such an event. Beautiful work
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Thank you.
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This brought tears to my eyes Linda. Your poetry is so beautiful and reflects your compassion and love for life in all forms. 🙂❤️
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Thank you Walt. Your words mean so much to me. ❤️
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You’re very welcome Linda. Just as your words mean so much to me. 🙂❤️
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❤️
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