The Lesson

We can learn from anyone ... or anything, if you look and listen hard enough.

I felt Native American today …

A crow spoke to me for the first time.

It was in his language, but I understood.

 

He swooped down from the heavens

and landed gracefully at my shoeless feet.

I thought for a moment he had found his meal.

 

Instead, he peered up toward my bewildered gaze

and offered a bit of reassurance and calm.

I reciprocated in kind and a connection was made.

 

We sat together, he at my feet and me on a bench

over-looking Sarasota Bay, not far from downtown.

He began the conversation in a matter-of-fact manner.

 

“I’ve chosen you for a reason,” he cawed.

“It was not just coincidence or luck.

No, you and I are alike in more ways than you think.”

 

On the bench I remained startled but still,

something … an epiphany of sorts, took hold.

There was no fear or hatred between our hearts.

 

As the crow continued … in his language, I listened.

“There’s much work for us to do,” he declared,

“and so little time to bring the masses on board …”

 

“Will you help me get the word out to your species.”

“In your language?” I inquired.

“The truth,” he acknowledged, “is the same in all tongues.”

 

“Those who speak it, know it when it is found …

Those who don’t … care little for the consequences.

“We are beholden to each other, to do what’s morally right ...”

 

Am I moral enough to deliver the word, I wondered.

As if I spoke aloud, he answered, “Yes, we all are if we choose to be.” 

Our minds connected on the other side of illumination.

 

I joined and flew with my companion, into the cloudless sky,

where crows often soar to explore the nature of man.

I became a crow today, didn’t plan on it … just happened.

 

Reviews

[Jeff Bresee]

Nice. I like the style and the story. Makes me want fly away.

[Brad Dehler]

Very good depiction of a whim, extending into a feeling. You were feeling Native. Connected to nature and you went with it. Thank you for the thoughts and sense of freedom

[Coyote Poetry]

Good to find nature and befriend her.
"I joined and flew with my companion, into the cloudless sky,
where crows often soar to explore the nature of man.
I became a crow today, didn’t plan on it … just happened"
I loved the above lines and the entire tale my friend. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[barleygirl]

I love where you went with this & what you were trying to accomplish. You do a great job of making this sound like a Native-styled parable & your core lesson is compelling. My problem --> the crow sounds nothing like a wild creature. Speaking on behalf of a crow, this sounds too cerebral, the way humans overthink s**t. I would be more convinced if the crow spoke thru imagery, showing the sky in tears & stuff like that. This is just my opinion. Overall, you've done a great job of spelling out a meaningful timely parable (((HUGS)))

[Allen Smuckler]

Very good observation bg... I kinda meant it to be cerebral... you know to make people think a bit ... but I understand what you are missing and if it wasn't already published in my last book, I probably would have worked on the imagery a tad more. Thanks for reading, your critique and feedback. It is greatly appreciated.

[Robert Trakofler]

we can never let go of that mandate to expression it is the fuel of souls and once tasted it can never be satiated but lord knows we will try:)

[Allen Smuckler]

Very Good point Robert...My belief is we should never stop trying...to get as many people we can on board. Thanks for reading and for your feedback, Robert... It is always welcomed and greatly appreciated.

[John the Baptist]

Sounds like a truly wonderful experience. But if you see him again, and the first thing he says is "Nevermore," you might want to be careful.

[Allen Smuckler]

That's a good point, John ... and well taken. Thanks for the warning and for spending some time in my world.

[Chris Shaw]

Listening and understanding. Communication is key to resolve any dispute. Seeing the situation from the others point of view. I reckon it was a powerful tool becoming a crow for a day. I enjoyed your approach here Allen.

Chris

[Allen Smuckler]

Thanks Chris for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate your feedback. I am meticulous about editing my writes...often I will reread a poem after someone critiques it. In doing so this time, I picked put out 3 careless punctuation errors...2 involving (") and one for using a period instead of ?. I shutter to think how many others I failed to pick up in other poems. I wouldn't be so concerned, except that I've already published this in my latest book. I may have to find an real editor for my upcoming ventures. AAARG!

[Chris Shaw]

You know, I always pay attention to content and the emotional pull with poetry. I'm afraid punctuation is not me :) I would not make a good editor :)

[Sami Khalil]

"I listened.

“There’s much work for us to do,” he declared,

“and so little time to bring the masses on board …”"

[Sami Khalil]

An awesome poem with deep morality, understanding along with acceptance of others. Your message is very illuminating and worthy of sharing. It is so powerful when we just listen and learn, care and observe, live and let live. The other will become one with us when we reflect on our shared humanity.
You are a worthy poet.

[Allen Smuckler]

Thank you, Sami for your kind observations and feedback. As you are well aware, we feed off feedback... It's how I learn and improve... and see the world through another's eyes. Always appreciated.

[Sami Khalil]

Same here. You are spot on. You are welcome my friend.