When I was young, I marveled at how my dad could hear anything – me whispering in the bed as he came down the hall, a possum moving in the stack of firewood outside, the first baby Robin fallen from a nest into the weeds.
It seemed an amazing trait to have and I dreamed of walking the woods at night, responding to a call no one else could hear.
I should know to be careful what you wish for. In the last year, I’ve realized that I’ve inherited my father’s hearing and, while it is a lovely trait in some respects, in others it is a curse. While trying to fall asleep at night, I am disturbed by the sound of my husband’s dry fingers brushing against his flannel pajamas, or the sound of his tongue moving in his mouth. No kidding! I often wake to the unmistakable sound of a cricket in the wall, or a field mouse playing in the attic. The night moves, and I hear.
Now before you start thinking I should have my own reality show, let me say that this talent is only present in my right ear. That’s actually a blessing because it means a simple shift in the way I am sleeping can pretty much drown out the cricket. But other sounds can’t even be muffled by three inches of down – the sound of a bobcat crossing the lawn, a leaf stuck in the gutter, a branch bent too close to another.
My father has always known things about the world, about the night and the shape of leaves. He hears the message of a waning moon and the first spring rain, and can tell the difference between a dove and a hawk just by the whisper of wings against the wind.
It may cost me more than a little sleep, but I am definitely listening.
of those to know
and those to feel –
who am I to differ
would swear the song
plays still in ancient pines
was wrestled there some moons ago
when light forgot to glisten –
the stars to tell the dark
I love you so
You have a special connection–I don’t think it can be turned off!! How wonderful to share this gift with your Dad. A lovely poem to go with your thoughts–I sigh in contentment! I love the way you have with words…this also is a gift that I think complements the other perfectly. xo
Thank you, Jeannie. Although I’ve always been the storyteller within my family, I’ve only just begun to put much of the stories to paper. From you, this is truly a compliment.
A very beautiful poem, Love to you, Linda
Thank you, Linda. Your kind words are truly a blessing. Love, Bobbie
I think you also hear the Whispers on the WInd
and see the unseen in swirls of energy and colors…
beautiful story…
beautiful poem….
Thank you for sharing this part of you
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maryrose
Thank you, Maryrose…….. And, yes, I think you’re right. 🙂
I know… I hear them too…
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