For Everything, There is a Time

It was a warm autumn evening, crisp but not cold, dry leaves rustling in the occasional breeze gently filled our ears. In the barn the horses gentle snorts could be heard as they settled into their stalls for the night. As I looked into her deep eyes, the light of the moon softly caressed her silken hair. What wonderful company to have at such a time. We were speaking of things of all seriousness about the meaning of life and the afterlife if one at all.

Whooo, Whooo! Did you hear that she quietly, yet excitedly questioned me? Yes, a barn owl! One of many I suppose, out chasing mice and other prey. As we were saying there's a time for everything and I have heard that seeing an owl could mean death is close by. But the mice, their souls, do they have one, and that of the owls? What is their afterlife? Well, we can only assume that this soul that moves us moves off into the ethers or heavens above either way the early body returns to the earth. Surely there is no judgment for the natural way in which the owl and mice live as they follow the plan for their species. Whooo, Whooo! The owl sounded a lonesome call giving the small creatures of the field a warning of its presence.

Well, she said snuggling in closer as the owl suddenly swooped down and retriehed a small rodent from amidst the autumn corn. Do you think it is the same for people? No judgment, if everything we do is in tune with the natural world. In the unnatural world, I suppose our conscious must make more selective choices. Do you think our choices affect our afterlife destiny?Whooo, whooo. The owl finished the tender fresh morsel of mouse and had lighted on the tree outside an illuminated window of the farmhouse.

The full moon shone brightly in glory through the clearness of the autumnal night sky. Striking across the owl's eyes and giving them a momentary glowing sheen. Whoo, whoo..... the owl softly let out, as we heard the backdoor open and shut. Hey, you two! It's time to come in, hurry the voice from the door called. Stepping up from our comfy straw bale seats to quickly go inside. We could hear the owl call out its presence as we entered the lighted room, scented with coffee and cleaner. There everyone was gathered around the bed.

Come over we think it's almost time, called Aunty. We looked down on the face of a body in bed with barely a breath. Eyes with fading but still present spark opened in my direction. Grabbing a fragile hand, I leaned in to say goodbye. Who's there..... Who’s there...... a whispering voice breathed out? It is I, your grandson here to support your journey, and as the great owl waits outside to guide you I replied. The fragile hand pulled me closer and as I saw a momentary sheen in the eyes before me, a faint breath smiled, Grandson you are as great as the owl. The tired head leaned back.

Whooo, Whooo called the silhouette of the owl from perching in the towering pine lit brightly with the moon shining across the fields. The firelight flickered and the owl made its last call before ascending towards the moon. Casting a shadow across the field with its broad expanse wings, as her fragile hand went limp in mine.

We love you and support you on your journey I softly whispered into quiet eyes gazing back in stillness and as I noticed the light of the moon caressing her silken hair the owl called from far in the trees and there was a knock at the door. "Who’s there?"