A Perfect Morning by Maggi Norris - Literature - Ask Nem5

A PERFECT MORNING
© Maggi Norris 1998

A few months ago, my life was tossed about in a storm of unrest that seemed to devastate my world. I felt that life could never have meaning or joy again. I felt that its purpose had been lost. I felt that I was destined to remain devastated by the wicked ploy of life's fate. I would like to share something that showed me how simple things can give one purpose. You just have to look for the signs.

I moved to Kentucky in April with my dog, Oti, after being away for years. The move did not seem to be blessed or happy. It was simply something I had to do.

Everyday, I would take Oti for a breather in the yard. I would sit in the chair on the stoop and stare about me wondering if I would ever find a reason to go on again.

One day I started to notice more than the dreariness of my life about me. There, on the lawn was a pair of robins. They were so playful. They seemed so full of energy and joy. I just watched them. I was amused at their antics. Soon, the graceful pair was joined by a tiny family of nestlings. They filled me with awe. They were so clumsy and yet so full of grace. I watched daily as the little darlings grew.

Soon, I noticed there were other families thriving on that lawn. Squirrels. Bluejays. Cardinals. Butterflies. They all seemed so intent on living each moment to its fullest. I quickly learned to love my little companions. I spent hours enjoying their peaceful friendship.

Then, one day, I noticed my robin. He seemed sad. I watched him all day. His family never joined him. They had left him. I somehow began to identify myself with the sad little creature. He seemed so lost and alone.

Soon, all the families were gone. They had left the lawn to find cooler airs for their tiny frail bodies. I missed them. But, I still had my robin.

We learned, over time, to communicate in our own way. He would stand and chatter at Oti and I as we watched him play on the lawn. He and Oti would stand and stare at each other for endless moments. They seemed to enjoy each other's company.

Soon, my robin would even come to sit on the steps of the house with Oti and I. He would sing or chatter at us in such a way that he endeared himself to me for life. Everyday he would become more brave and come a bit closer. I just watched him. I was amazed at his audacity.

Then, one day I went outside. His nest was empty. I waited for him all day. Over the next few weeks I realized he wasn't living there anymore. He had left the heat of the lazy summer for cooler climes. I felt devastated.

I wept for his loss. I mourned the departure of the dear little companion I had learned to love so very much.

Then, I awoke earlier this morning to take Oti for a walk. And I saw magic at work. I saw true magic. I saw true love. Sit back and get comfy. I have something wonderful to share with you.

When I trudged up the stairs, dragged by Oti's eagerness, the day looked bleak and dreary. I stood gazing out the arch of glass in the front door. I didn't want to step out there. I didn't want to face the dreariness. When I opened that door, the scene that greeted me was straight from a fairy tale. I cried tears of joy. I still have them streaming down my face.

There upon the lawn... Was my robin. He was prancing about, happy and singing. I watched him, stunned that he had come back. He was so proud and beautiful and full of an eager joy to live. I just stood there with unashamed tears pouring out. I was entranced.

Soon, my robin was joined by someone special. His lady. The love of his life who left him months ago. He sang to her. He strutted around her. He spread his wings and played with her in a dance of love and happiness. Soon they were joined... By young robins. I stared at them in awe. They were perfect. Playful and beautiful. Perfect little copies of my robin. All of them happy and full with the gift of just living.

Soon my little winged family was joined by other playful companions from the summer. A pair of blue jays. A group of cardinals. Lovely colorful butterflies. The air was alive with their music.

Then suddenly, I noticed something that had not been there before. A vine that had been unfruitful all year. It grows among the leaves of a lovely graceful tree. It twines about its bole as though embracing it in love. But there, amongst the full leaves, was something amazing and beautiful. A single white wild blossom had opened itself to the world while I slept. It was perfect in form and shape. Every petal glistened with morning dew. It nestled there happy as my winged loves danced about its pure beauty. It seemed to glow somehow.

If looked at in another light it could seem forlorn and lonely. It isn't. It thrives. It is beautiful. A sign. A sign that there is pure perfect love in the world. A sign that life does go on. A sign that happiness is always there if one is willing to wait for it.

I smiled through my tears. My heart was filled with joy. I reentered the house, my safe haven for the last few months. I realized something truly beautiful... The next time I step out that door it will be with purpose. It will be with the will to live, to love, to survive and be happy.

What more could I ask from a perfect morning?

Literature Index
Prose Index
A Perfect Morning - Maggi
A Glimpse of Reality - Maggi
Ferris Wheel - Pete
Fuzzy Angel - Maggi
Impression - Maggi
Lessons in Life - Maggi

Memories in the Mist - Maggi
Morning - Maggi
Rhapsody en da Skyes - Maggi
The Colors of Emotion - Maggi
This Lonely Road - Pete
The Trouble With Waiting - Pete
There Are Times - Monika
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