Fathers' Masterpiece

As he looked into the endless starry sky, his mind couldn't help but linger on the matter of existence. His eyes slowly panned the massive world above him in disbelief of it's infinity.

" My father said you're a great masterpiece," he said mumbling under his breath, plucking up a blade of grass. "Said the same of you." The boy squinted his eyes, drawing the tiny piece of grass closer in a deep inspection. Clutching the blade of grass in his hand, he plopped flat on the ground with an "ummph!" Turning his head toward his feet he wriggled his bare toes. "My father said you ten were masterpieces too." Grinning, he rolled over and jumped to his feet. He felt the grass between his toes and lifted his leg just high enough to tickle the bottom of his foot with the tips of the earths' carpet.

Just at a moment while he was seemingly in a trance, a soft wind blew and a shadow drifted above him and broke his concentration. Almost startled, he lost his footing and hit the ground with a heavy thud. Looking quickly upward, he caught a glimpse of a small figure in flight, disappearing through the trees. Determined to find out what this creature was, the boy scurried to his feet and took off through the woods.

Sprinting through the brush he could see what looked like a bird and an ear-piercing shriek echoed in the silent night air. "I've not heard such a sound before," leaning against a tree he peered through the tangled limbs,"doesn't sound like any bird I know of." Watching the figure land on a branch, he wondered if he should continue. The figure spread out it's wings and flew off towards the boys' home. His adrenaline flowing through his body, he sprang out from behind the tree. He must pursue.

What only took minutes, but seemed forever, they came to a small clearing. Kneeling behind a bush, he watches the bird swoop downward and land in an old barn loft window. Now he was close enough to observe this odd night bird. It didn't seem and shocking and frightening up close. As he watched, he became more fascinated. Beautiful white chest feathers and brown wings that reminded him of bark from a tree. Dark but soft eyes seemed to be observing him in wonder just the same. " What a tiny beak! Are you a masterpiece ?" The boy said aloud. " Yes, you are! Delightful!"

The bird lifted it's talon and scratched about it's head. The boy giggled. He looked into the sky and smiled. "Father? Did you send me a new masterpiece?" With a satisfied sigh, the boy rose up and turned his way for home. He turned back to the barn and waved. " Bye masterpiece."

Racing back home only seemed to take mere seconds, the excitement of telling his mother of his wonderful find was almost overwhelming. With great enthusiasm, he turned the front doorknob and heard his mother. " Off with your shoes, please, Orville! I'm sure you've got mud all over!" Spinning around, Orville ripped off his shoes and pitched them at the door and continued running towards the kitchen where the aroma ham and potato soup with bread filled down the hallway. " Mother! Father sent a new masterpiece!" His mother turns from stirring the soup, a little alarmed with her sons high pitched statement. " what are you talking about, son? Where have you been?" She looked over his clothes and face. "Please wash your hands and face, they're filthy." Orville grabs the soap and hurriedly washed up. "Much better. Good boy!" His mother pats him on the head and turns back to stirring the soup.

"Mother! I saw a new masterpiece! Father had never shown this one to me, it's wonderful!" As he speaks, his mother turns slightly to him, her eyes now with sadness . She opened the oven to check the bread which was now very fragrant."Really dear?" She asked with a small cracking in her voice. "What did it look like, then?" Orville took his hand and touched his mothers' cheek. She put her hand over his. Soft, small, kind hands where she still wore her wedding ring.

"Mother," he said softly,"it's a night bird. Loving face, soft dark eyes and glistening white feathers with dark brown wings.. Father said he had many more masterpieces to show me when he felt better." His mother took him in her arms and slow tears came down her face. " He did. It sounds like he sent one just for you to find, doesn't it?" Orville nodded. " You know, son, it sounds like you saw a barn owl. They haven't been around here for years. They were you fathers' favorite masterpieces." Orville smiled and looked in his mothers tear filled eyes. " I believe that they will be my favorite, too."