A sparrow

Is a sparrow consequential? Does one sparrow make any difference? This seems a weighty philosophical, cosmological and ecclesiastical topic, doesn't it? It is not one of the ordinary subjects which I address for the calculated and happy advancement of modern living. I think it pertains nonetheless. There are those who subscribe to the idea that the flutter of a butterfly's wings will have a dynamic effect on matters far removed and apparently unrelated. I find this to be a useful precept to bear in mind. Whether one is of a contemplative nature or not, it is hard to deny the connectedness of life.

One can hardly live in the present and be unaware of the perils which many species confront constantly, whether it is at the active hands of trophy hunters and poachers or by the passive presence of glass window panes. My sister Livia is in the front ranks of the alarmists on this issue and she reminds me that to be a Cassandra is to be an outcast in many quarters. It does not prevent her from speaking out. This literally brings home the urgency and importance of the slow collapse of the biosphere which seems to be in motion all around us. Do not see the movie Melancholia if you are at all inclined to this point of view. It may put you over the edge!

When it comes to quality of life, we are certainly in a gilded age here in America. The privileges with which we are blessed ought to be seriously considered as precious and not to be assumed to be eternal. Stewardship requires vigilance. For example, now that we know that neonicotinoids (think nicotine) are anathema to honeybees, shouldn't we ask at the garden store whether the pesticide we are considering is safe in that respect? Talk about a buzz kill. Knowledge is good and action is the important next step. Those inspirational talks on the world wide web are great but what good do they do if no one acts on them? Apathy is the real problem. Ask any activist. How do light a fire under someone to not only pay attention but to take affirmative action? It's an age-old problem. It has been said that the definition of evil is what happens when good people do nothing. Hmmm.

Now, I know I am preaching to the converted, but it is a rainy day and that often generates introspection. You'll forgive me if I vent a wee bit on this topic lest we continue skipping along and blithely ignore signs of trouble. The particular sparrow of which I spoke has been an inspiration all this season. It is a song sparrow which begins its trills before the sun rises and continues to proclaim all day long. It is a life-affirming sound, expressive of an intrinsic need to announce presence and location. It informs my day with an appreciation of the vitality all around me. At just about a half an hour before sunset this sparrow arrives at the birdbath every day. It twitches its tail and then plops into the shallows to swivel and swish vigorously, pausing, I like to think, to appreciate the feeling of the cool water on its skin. We share that moment. We share so much.

Hugs, Celeste