The Symbol

The road ahead is covered by sweeping branches, intertwined to an arc forming a tunnel. The sun above dodges in and out, whenever space is provided for its light. This effect speckles the road, as the shadows move in the breeze. Little white puffs from Willow trees, float gaily in the calm zephyr state. Reflections from the canopy above, are seen atop the window of the convertible, as it moves noiselessly along this concrete path. The convertible pulls to the side, and then two people get out. They once heard the wind of speed, yet now they hear the rustling of leaves. As with the blurred image of nature, now every hedge and sapling is clearly seen. One of the strangers reaches for the back seat, and comes out with a wired cage. The silence is broken with a deafening screech, and a solitary feather hits the soil. They walk into the forest where darker the shade, and surrounded by the purity of a spectacular green. After a short passing of time, a river is crossed as rushing of water fills their ears. They continue further with tiring step, yet beauty of scenery impels them along. The green remains crystal in depth, and the ground is of a healthy dampness. With each ticking of the watch, as well as each shadow's elongation, they near their destination. The bird grows impatient and tenses with energy, with the occasional scream easing its stress. After the distance exceeded three miles, the forest opened into a meadow of expansive depth. The grass there grew high, and a lake lay at the edge, as both were surrounded by forest on all sides. One of the men drew from his backpack a glove, and the other set the cage down, both with growing anticipation. They opened the cage and the one stuck his arm in, upon pulling it out, he was accompanied by his feathered friend. He rose his arm into the air, the bird eclipsing the sun. Its head was white and body was brown, with a beak as sharp as its poweful talons. The eagle spread her wings and rose into the air, igniting great gusts of wind while hovering there. Then without warning, she took to the sky, and vanished quickly, thankful for life. The wing had been fixed, and faith too restored, so that she could rise to the heavens, in spectacular accord. She had not left though without leaving her mark, and this they felt within the depths of their heart. Written December 5th, 2001 © on Dec 04 2001 04:21 PM PST   0 • 12