Ducks in a Row

I heard them honking long before I could see them. Spring is, after all, arriving and birds are apt to return to their northern nesting grounds. I expected to see a neat V of geese appear over the square edge of the Library building. Based on the volume of honk, it was a large gaggle that would dance into view any moment.

I stood staring at the sky, my mouth hanging open as I am wont to do when I look upwards, like some hungry baby bird expecting dinner. There is no extra work to looking up with your mouth shut, yet instinct makes us leave our jaws at level while raising our heads.

It reminds me of the verse "I lift my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber." Psalm 121: 1-3. Every time I look up, I expect help!

Suddenly, they appeared, the geese I had been hearing. They flew in a long straight line, not in the usual V formation, not even at an angle to each other, but in a straight line one behind the other, all of them complaining loudly. What on earth? Was there some sort of leadership crisis?

I had always thought they flew in a V so that the group could take advantage of aerodynamic principles and prevent tiring, sort of like drafting behind an 18 wheeler. To prevent the leader -who took the biggest hit from the force of the wind - from tiring, one of the more rested geese in the back of the V would rotate to the front periodically to relieve the leader.

But not this bunch. And howdy were they squawking! That's what happens when things get out of whack. We find no safety in numbers and its every man for himself, if you will pardon the political incorrectness. I think about recent shootings in this area. How sad that we are not providing the kind of safe and nurturing environment, a community to lend a hand when the going gets rough.

I suspect as more people loose their jobs, we will hear accounts more often. If only we could figure out how to work together so no one takes the heat at the expense of everyone else. Maybe if I keep looking up, I will find some answers.