Reflections from Bird Sanctuary Island

Supreme peace and love fill my heart as I listen to dozens of birds warble and chirp and squawk and honk 

A special place, an island across a marsh, aged trees stand tall, some leaning with old age, aching for the changes they’ve seen 

Light and shadow dapple the forest floor, green leaves allowing drops of sunshine through, here, there

A man whistles to his hound, his neck burdened by a huge camera, stares up at the branches, the ground, the dog, up again

I wonder what he’s come here for, perhaps he too seeks the forgiveness and acceptance found on the isle

The trail weaves with the land, unobtrusive, drawing you further in, a squirrel bounds along ahead, inviting me to follow

And I do

Rising above the lake, a platform waits, a narrow view of a wide world, framed by twisted branches and flitting feathered travelers, I spot yellow wings, some black with red spots, unassuming greys and browns

Below, in the young cattails, a splash and a plunk, a frog? a turtle? perhaps a muskrat, I scan for herons but see none, though the geese are plenty, where do they all go in such a hurry, here to there?

It’s quiet, except for the birds, occasionally our conversation, and I’m grateful and filled with peace, yet I feel a longing grow within, a space yawning open, infilling with possibility 

A short walk through a dropped walnut trail leads to a dock, on which I sit and share a sandwich, some for me, some for the birds and fish, no takers

Bubbles rise and I know the sign of a turtle resting on the lakeshore floor, how long has he sat there sleeping? dreaming? Is this a dream, I wonder, I hear the words: I’m real, this is happening

The sun warms my back, my shoulders, my hair, I can’t imagine a more perfect moment, my devotion and tenderness growing, almost to bursting in my chest, healing me from the inside out, I wonder about acceptance and the balm of love

I consider the geese, one chasing off a rival before returning to comfort his mate, the bond renewed, I understand that bond, and sharing this space is a bond of its own

In my mind I form oaths and hope one day you’ll understand and hold them precious

Our quiet conversation drifts in and out, sometimes the breeze says it all, others it’s the birds or you or I, that you’ve shared this space with me speaks volumes and I am grateful, I can’t imagine being here with anyone else

I sigh, but it’s a good sigh, one of contentment and hope and healing

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tara caribou | ©️2025 | photo by me

I just got back from a trip to Iowa and my heart is full of gratitude, love, and new experiences.