May 16, 2020
A few nights ago, as I was climbing into
bed, I heard what I thought was the hoot of an owl. There is a greenway half a
block from my condo and a large wooded park and natural area with a pretty big
creek running through it. As I settled into the sheets, I strained to listen, a
little disappointed that perhaps what I heard was just the bark of a dog.
But then, a reply hoot came from a
little further away. The owls continued to call out to one another. As I
eavesdropped, I gently drifted off to sleep. It reminded me of a vague memory
from my childhood: after being tucked in, my eyes heavy, I’m reassured by the
lullaby of muffled adult conversation coming from a distant room that shooed
away fears of imaginary snakes under the bed and the unknown hiding in the
darkness of my closet.
While I’ve
outgrown those fears, I’m never too old to feel comforted by the company of
other beings, whether they are human, furry, stuffed or feathered. There is
contentment in knowing that I too have my place nestled in this big Universe.
And I do
confess that I still sleep better with my closet door closed.
NN