Cross Species Discussion

Cross Species Discussion

My green bike came to me one Christmas. It takes me everywhere. One day I rode down a path to the river. It takes me around the big cottonwood, across a sagebrush patch, to the big rock by the water.

Here is where I come to think about life, to think about death. To think.

During my thinking time, loud voices coming from the path interrupt me. I wander over to check this out.

Seems there’s a stand-off.

A bald Eagle had just landed. The ground Squirrel is arguing with it.

“No way. You can’t do that. I forbid it.” The little rodent waved its arms.

“Who are you to tell me what I can and cannot do!” The Eagle hopped its way toward Squirrel.

“What’s going on here?” I questioned the two.

“We’re having a discussion about hunting. I forbid it here on our sacred ground.”

Bald eagle hopped to me. “Listen buddy, you’re listening to a discussion between species on a hot topic. I’d advise you to butt out. This doesn’t concern you.” Eagle hopped to the squirrel. “And I say this ground is also sacred for us Eagles. We’ve been hunting here for generations.”

The two animals were facing each other.

“Hold on, you two can talk?”

The two animals looked at each other, then to me.

“Of course, aren’t you talking?” asked Eagle.

“But I can understand what you’re saying.”

“You’re dreaming.” Squirrel said to me, then pushed Eagle. “Leave me alone.”

Eagle picked up Squirrel in its talons, flew downstream.

“Nev-er!” I could hear Eagle scream as they flew away.

When I woke, all was quiet. No evidence of a squirrel or an eagle. I jumped on the green bike. Ground squirrels jumped out of my way. An eagle screamed overhead. Dream? Ha…


W/C 300