The black bird returned and I could feel it’s energy and strength with each and every caw. With ease the tears fell from my eyes; my cheeks reddened and hot with the succumbed to emotion. A simple night gone dreadfully awry; too much, too much, just too damn much.

The felt feel of emotions grown furry and fuzzy due to neglect; a simple recognition now and then could relieve the dump, the out pouring, of each and every one of them. Sometimes the strength has left the building and the all night tales with Elvis penetrate it’s absence. Ahh, to be strong all the time. The caw pierced the air.

I thought for sure the bird had been a curse, that it was only there to haunt and mock me. I have come to realize that there is no jest, no intrusion, but rather a guided path to serenity. With all of it’s nagging turned to encouragement and reassurance. A simply caw again and again. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Wipe the tears away and cascade through the remaining day with some sort of direction and most of all hope. Could it really be as simple as the return of my black feathered friend? Could it really be as simple as flipping perception? Anything is better than being beaten and battered by the mere thought of existence, nevermind actually existing.

No clenched teeth. No clenched fists. No saunter of disconnect. Breast out proud. Strut done right. Knowledge of destiny sought and received. Caw on my winged brethren; caw, caw, caw.

There are much better ways, many better thoughts. A body at ease with it’s self and no more need for the ravaged muscles of resistance to exhaust the soul.

I have taken from it what I can and will and hope to.

He will fly on with one eye on me and the other fixed on the road ahead.

Caw, caw, caw …