The Song of The Arctic Tern

The sun broke through the clouds and streaks of light played down upon the flowing waters of a mountain stream. Ducks were feeding, standing on their heads searching for bits of food and swimming with the current. Overhead a flock of geese appeared, flying south as they skimmed over a rocky wall alongside the stream.  They appeared and disappeared in a moment’s time, hidden from view beyond the other side of the tree-covered slopes.

The stream flowed smoothly around a curve splitting near the north edge due to an island that rose prominently above the surrounding walls. Outcropping of rocky ledges covered the island but scraggly bushes and a few trees grew near the base where water was available for the roots. At the very top of the island a dead tree stood like a specter with its bare trunk and branches facing the elements unprotected. Nearby, two weathered wooden crosses stuck out of the ground where a cairn of rocks had been placed in two parallel rows. An arctic tern flitted from a dead branch on the tree and alighted upon one of the crosses. Its song burst forth as a sunbeam shone on the grave. When a cloud shadow moved over the island, the bird was silent.  This happened several times, but when a dense cloud obscured the sun for a period of time the bird flew from its perch.

The arctic tern flew south-its long journey to the southern hemisphere lying ahead. It flew alone, by instinct, not knowing where it would stop on its journey.  Somewhere at its destination a suitable mate would be found and months later it would return to the far north. Another life cycle in nature would be completed...