The Cry Of The Night Owl

Moonlight illuminates my cold, still room. Softly peering in from my bedroom  window as if it were trying not to wake me. Despite its gentle attempt, I was already awake. The sad reality was that I had never been blessed with the gift of sleep, or even a good night's rest for that matter. No; I was blessed with the burden of wandering thoughts, destined to travel wherever the mind was too scared to go during the day.

So here I lie in my bed, pondering the meaning of my existence. Reliving every microscopic detail; regretting everything I have said, or didn't say that could have change the course of my entire life. The deafening silence of my room becomes too much with only the peanut gallery of my past as my company and I let out a cry. "What do you want?" I said into the dark corner of my room, as If I expected someone to reply. Without a response, I decided I needed to get out and clear my head. I sluggishly threw on my sweat pants, which admittedly needed to be washed; my favorite band sweatshirt, and my worn slip-on shoes and went off In to the night. My lungs felt tingly when met with the refreshing icy winter air. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, my thoughts have decided to come along and enjoy this beautiful night. The moon gloriously shines overhead, as if guiding me on this midnight journey into serenity and stillness. The night is quiet, and the air is still, as my footsteps echo down the empty road. Each one getting me further from my quiet suffering. The warm aroma of pine trees starts to distract me, leading me to feel the sense of peace I had been longing for. As each foot lifts from the pavement I feel more and more at peace knowing my troubles were slowly distancing themselves. Just as I entered my trance like state of relaxation, I was interrupted by a noise.

"Hoo Hoo."

Startled, I looked at a tree in passing and was pierced by glowing eyes.

"Hoo Hoo." the noise desperately cried out again.

Moonlight illuminated the tree cavity where the eyes were intently staring from. The silver light revealed a beautiful barn owl who seemed to be in the same predicament as myself. Though the rest of the world slept around it, The moonlight peering in only seemed to keep it awake. The owl emerged from its home, and gracefully landed in my direct path. The Owl's presence was not threatening but sympathetic. Our eyes locked once more and I felt as if it were trying to communicate to me through its gaze. I felt unease, anxiety and existential dread as if it were up all night, alone,  reliving every detail and regretting everything it had done. Through this gaze, I understood the animals pain, and that we are not alone in this existential experience. The Owl eventually broke eye contact and in one swoop, took off into the cold darkness of the night. Realizing that I can't survive the harsh cold of winter much longer, I decided to end this peaceful journey and return home. Crawling into bed, I had found a new sense of comfort. The cry of the night owl gently in the distance.

"I think I made a friend" I said to myself

Knowing I had someone who found themselves in the same situation, I rested my head on the pillow and went to sleep knowing that I am not alone