March 2018 SOLC–Day 21
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
Hope is the thing with feathers
∼Emily Dickinson
Outside the flash of a bullet of fur on a deadly trajectory caught my eye.
Oh, no!
I saw her land on four paws on the snowy bank beneath the feeders. My heart sank.
Did she get another bird?
I grabbed the door handle and raced outside.
“Juuuuniper,” I called.
She turned to look at me, and the two small bells at her neck jingled merrily. Two limp wings protruded from either side of her mouth. A fan of grey and white tail feathers covered her chin.
Oh, no! A little junco.
She glanced at me, then turned to walk away, her prize firmly clenched in her jaws.
“Juney,” I called, coming up behind her. She slowed a bit. “Come here, Juney girl.”
Take it slowly. Don’t spook her.
The wings and tail were ominously still, no flutter of feathers, no evident struggle.
“Come here, sweet kitty.” I crooned, approaching her slowly. Slowly.
She stopped and looked back at me. “Good girl,” I said, coming nearer. I knelt and reached out, as if to pet her. She leaned toward me, anticipating an affectionate rub. Quickly but gently, I grasped either side of her head. Inserting my fingers in the corners of her mouth, I pushed. She wriggled to get away, lean muscle under silken fur, but I held on.
Will it work? Is it already too late?
“Come on, Juney. Open up,” I sing-songed.
I continued to apply steady pressure, and her mouth slowly began to open. A moment passed. I pushed a little more, and finally, her jaw dropped open.
In a whirling flash, with a scatter of feathers, the junco soared into the afternoon sky. It flew toward the barn, wheeled around the corner and disappeared from sight. A miracle of flight and feathers.
My heart rebounded.
Nix the comfort zone 
You are a hero! One morning my cat had a baby squirrel. I was not able to rescue it. I mourned that little helpless thing. My husband said, “Circle of life.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, poor squirrel. I’ve witnessed way too many small critter deaths at the hands/paws of my cats. I think I may need to take down the feeders, but that breaks my heart just a little.
LikeLike
That was a better ending than I anticipated. The combination of dialogue and narrative helped weave the tale perfectly. Your Juniper is quite a little rascal. Today you can count that as a win.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a better ending than I anticipated, too! It was such a lift to see that junco fly away!
LikeLike
Such anticipation! Glad it had a happy ending for the junco.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too!
LikeLike
Oh my gosh that is incredible! You created so much suspense as you told this bit by bit. By including your inner thoughts, I was able to empathize and maintain hope that the bird was ok. Unbelievable! Definitely share this with your students!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Cindy! It was one of those small moments that just begged to be told.
LikeLike
I had no idea you could get a cat to drop its prey. Well done, Molly. The final verb captures your joy beautifully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I can’t say I knew that it would work, but I had to try something!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dialogue and the tension in this post really captured me. I’m so glad it had a happy ending for the junco!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was tense for me and the junco! I’m glad that came through.
LikeLike
OH thank goodness-you are a hero. Too often this is not the happy ending. Loved the way you exploded this moment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Paula. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to stop feeding the birds because of other not-so-happy endings. I feel complicit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are my hero!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Molly,
Am I the only one who is happy for the junco yet thinking that will Junie trust you to come to you next time she has a little something in her mouth or will she remember “the betrayal” and polish off her meal before listening to your call?
Thanks for saving Junco, a life saved is a life saved. ya?
Best.
Purviben
@Trivediziemba
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure if she’ll trust me again, but I had to do what I could at that moment. It was worth it.
LikeLike
True
LikeLike
I’m so impressed… with the rescue and with the telling of the rescue. Your story is superbly crafted. Spectacular description: “In a whirling flash, with a scatter of feathers, the junco soared into the afternoon sky. It flew toward the barn, wheeled around the corner and disappeared from sight. A miracle of flight and feathers.” And I love the profound simplicity of your final sentence.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alice. I debated about that ending sentence, and played around with the lines before it, so I’m glad you found the final version effective.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was hanging on your words to hear if the Junko was playing dead and could be rescued. Phew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so relieved!
LikeLike
This slice of a moment in time is priceless. As others have said, your conversation and description are beautifully balanced. I was holding my breath with each line. I knew you were pulling for the bird the whole time. The ending was what I was hoping for – your title is perfect! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I really appreciate your feedback!
LikeLike
So happy that bird survived, but I know cats and they love to hunt. My cat too old and tired to hunt in the winter, but come better weather- watch out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been quite a change for us to have young cats around again. Our two geriatric cats didn’t have the energy to bother the birds, warm or cold weather!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What tension, what a wonderful ending. Bravo.
LikeLike
Hooray for you, Molly! My heart was in my throat as I read your well-crafted slice. So relieved you rescued the little junco!
LikeLike