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The Audacious Crow
My spirit animal
Every morning upon sunrise, I am greeted by dozens of corvids clinging to the trees and balancing on the utility wires. They serenade me in their unique style, waking me up to a new day.
I sit by the edge of the bed, mindful of their spirit. Crows are here for me symbolically to encourage me to stay in the moment and view the world from a unique perspective.
I channel the crow in my poetry, photography, and stories, becoming a keen observer, using plain and simple language — and, above all, being earnest.
The crows now recognize me and aren’t skittish when I approach. And many have developed an affinity for me, no longer watching my every move with suspicion. Instead, I have become their ally, although not a member of their tribe, but someone who won’t hurt them but appreciates their nature.
Crows are intelligent, dignified, flexible, and adaptive to virtually any situation.
I find many of them at Oak Park during my morning walk. They gather around the overflowing trashcans, scouring for food and materials for their nests. I snap close-ups of their beaks that serve as Swiss army knives, solid and sharp enough to open cans — and can carry a variety of objects to where they perch.
In 2012, I…
