Moth Catcher

The novelty has worn off. I must be stern with myself about getting out the door in the early am to walk my morning mile despite the fact that I look forward to listening to music as I wander the pleasant grounds of the complex.

I open my eyes early enough, but shut them as I eke out every possible minute of sleep before I absolutely must make myself throw back the cover, swing my legs over the edge and hoist myself to an upright position. It's not hard to fall into my 'jogging' clothes since they are laid over the laundry basket next to the closet. I grab my walkman, keys, and hat and head out the door and down the stairs to the gray overcast skies and chilly air.

This morning's fare is the St Olaf Choir, a wide variety of musical styles and tempos. The first song boasts a moderate tempo, a good speed to begin my walk. I encounter fellow walkers, joggers and dog owners. We nod politely as we pass.

As I round the first corner heading towards the wooded areas, a small brown sparrow suddenly swoops in front of me, chasing a fluttering moth. They zig and zag, turning back on themselves, flying straight at me. I stand stock still, watching in fascination. It happened so fast that I'm not sure whether the swallow gave an extra spurt of speed, or the moth tired and slowed for a fraction of a second, but the swallow scooped up the moth in its beak, and pulled up seconds before it would have crashed into my chest.

I am a bit startled. The bird veers off into the woods with its prize, perhaps breakfast for its babies. I continue my trek around the loop, taken aback by the sudden encounter with destiny. One small life consumed for the benefit of another. The expression "dog eat dog" leapt to mind, and I couldn't help think of work situations where I watched one employee scramble for advancement at the expense of others.

I shudder at the ugliness of it, wetting my lips at the very thought of putting a moth in my mouth. I shake my head. The choir is very aptly singing Hear My Prayer O Lord by Henry Purcell, a winding sinuous song of lament. Thank goodness for the upcoming song City of Heaven - something with a little more encouragement vim and vigor!