Flash of Feathers

A flash of feathers
The pull to turn back
I am conflicted
We hike up a bluff

Still there; bag and box
A dog is witness
Researching preservation
On the way home

What was your story?
Brown and white, regal
Thank you owl spirit
You will live on

Carefully measured
Feathers in a bucket
People walk by, clueless
What do others get away with?

A ceremony
a candle, an offering, a prayer
Buried with respect.