The Geese in the Field

     Once the soybean field is harvested, the geese come...

        It's 6:30 p.m. and the sun is setting. All of the sudden, the air is filled with the honks of hundreds of Canada geese arising from the field. Their song is heard for miles as it builds to a glorious crescendo. Each group of birds   instinctively falls into "V" formation and circles the field before flying off in different directions. The sky is clear in minutes.

      As the last rays of light give way to darkness, the geese find safe haven floating atop lapping waves of nearby ponds and lakes. For the next week they will return every morning to pick the harvested fields clean. And every evening, as dusk approaches, they will leave—until they come no more. 

      My family has grown accustomed  to the presence of the geese in the fall, but we refuse to take them for granted.  When the honking starts, I run outside and gaze up at the majestic bodies flying overhead. Soon the screen door bangs and the children join me. We watch, spellbound, as more and more birds take off. Then I tell them a secret. “If the geese fly low enough you can hear their hearts beating.” They laugh.

      I raise my arms and wave wildly toward the sky. “Hello, hello! I’m here! I love you!” Tears spring to my eyes. I'm crazy! I sound like a three-year-old…but I can’t help it. I want to tell the geese how I feel. In the shelter of the barn, our own geese stir as they hear my voice rise on the frosty air. Their honks join those of the wild ones as if to say, "Fly high…fly free, for me." And standing in awe, with my arms outstretched, I can only echo their cry.       

4:49 AM - Oct. 29, 2006 - post comment

Wonderful

How wonderful that someone appreciates the beauty and majesty of nature as I do. I too love the geese and enjoy seeing them in our area when they stop to rest for a while. It is something we should never take for granted, nature is God's gift to us in its most fantastic form - on Saturday while driving to a stable where my daughter rides, we saw a deer, a couple of beautiful woodpeckers, and a racoon - it was so special to see and a real blessing in this sometimes ugly world. I hope your piece encourages people to really see what is around them and to pay more attention each and everyday to the things we sometimes take too much for granted. God bless you for writing it and for the gorgeous photographs. The leaf cookes are a real treat as well - blessings to you and heartfelt thanks for reminding us all of nature's bounty.

Linda L - 6:12 PM - Nov. 6, 2006

Untitled Comment

Yes, yes I agree - I never tire of hearing nor seeing these precious birds who are driven by instinct to gather together and migrate. They are an amazing testimony to our Creator!

Harriette

jacobsacademy - 6:50 AM - Nov. 7, 2006

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