Friday, October 11, 2013

An Owl, My Mom & A Poem


Do you see the owl up to the right? I've never seen an owl in nature, no less in my own backyard. Owls were my mom's favorite animal, she had just about every owl thing you could have.  Today would have been her 76th birthday and I am struck by the visiting owl who came to me the day before.


When my childhood friend died, I was driving home from the airport after attending her funeral.  Her favorite bird, a cardinal, hovered in front of my car as it traveled 60 mph.  It hung suspended above the windshield for a time that seemed implausible and then flew away.



After my mom's passing, my sister found a hand written poem among the papers on her desk.  We've checked and believe it is her original work.  It makes sense.  In her high school yearbook this tribute was written, "Her poetic mind neglects not a soul."   

Can you see the owl amidst the branches?  She had just turned her head.  Moments later she swooped away.


The Howling Winds
by Mary Ann Ginnerty

The Howling winds of autumn
speak very loud to me.

To all who hear the bluster
the message springs forth clear.
As boughs break from the weight of the years
and the leaves rip from the branches near.

Yet, knowing in the spring, new birth shall come.
The howling winds of autumn
speak loud to me of love.

The swirling winds play host to tantalizing memories,
hopeful muses, deep despair
with intermittent rain and sunlight that
dances in the air.

Now in the autumn of my years
the howling winds of autumn speak loud
to me.

Come, listen too with me
in the howling of the autumn winds
and how they speak to thee.

16 comments:

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

That is a lovely little poem that you found. Thank you for sharing.

An Urban Cottage said...

I don't believe these messages are a coincidence. How wonderful it is to have this poem written by your mom. So much nicer than any material thing.

Pigtown*Design said...

Very sweet.

Connie in Hartwood said...

The message of the owl is very clear. Your mom is with you, and she wanted you to know.

What a lovely poem!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

How lovely and things like this do happen in life if you look. People always say I'm crazy but I do believe in things like this! This is what makes life so wonderful.

pve design said...

Beautiful. Your Mother's poem reminds me very much of Langston Hughes poetry. Love seeing nature and catching glimpses of birds taking flight or singing their song.
Enjoy your weekend. I hope you will frame that poem or put it in a safe spot to cherish.
pve

Unknown said...

Michele,
I think those are amazing moments you've experienced. What a beautiful poem. I'm sure your mother was an amazing, sensitive, thoughtful person.

xoxo Elizabeth

Woodside Park said...

Hi Michele - I totally believe in these special moments! Thanks for sharing your mom's poem. A lovely tribute.
xo
Loi

Karena said...

Absolutely moving Michele, a tribute to your Mother.

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Unknown said...

totally believe that birds bring messages......love your owl....smiles!

Boxwood Terrace said...

What a beautiful poem and a special remembrance of your mom.

therelishedroost said...

Your Mom, sounds great, I am an owl lover too!
I hear them at night outside and once had one fly over my head but it was dark and I couldn't see it. This was great that you were able to take these photos!'The poem was lovely too.
Thanks for sharing,
Karolyn

Katherine said...

When you believe in something bigger and higher than the obvious, you will see signs like this.
I have had a connection with Cardinals since my Father passed away 14 years ago. It has both comforted me and guided me.
The posts with Cardinal or Cardinal House on my blog refer to this directly.

Katherine
Glamour Begins At Home

Champagne on Tuesdays said...

Thank you for sharing the photo and the poem. My mom believed that birds brought messages from loved ones. Happy birthday to your mom.

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

This brought tears to my eyes. I am positive that owl was a sign from your mom, just to say hello. How very special.

Your mom's poem is lovely. Thank you for sharing.

Soul Pretty said...

Wow...and I agree with the Urban Cottage...the poem is priceless and more meaningful than any material thing...

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