Bicknell’s Thrush
I am here looking into
an abyss, hoping to find a bird that comes from my country. It is an irony of life to have to cross the
Atlantic Ocean to find my fellow Dominican.
When I look at him, I see his eyes, tired from so long a journey, and at
the same time waiting to be one with us.
Perhaps he can recognize us, perhaps he knew how to look beyond our
gaze, past our heavy clothing, and our hopes, to see that we belong to his
country. Perhaps this is the reason he
decided to appear in our path.
What can be said of
those who with so much concern, care for a Dominican bird and at the same time
for us? What can I do so other
Dominicans will see the transcendence of caring for our species? My voice alone will not be enough, but I can
be the one who tells others what I learned through this project.
Ten years ago, I
wasn’t aware of the importance of the Bicknell’s thrush, yet it was already
recognized in a distant country. Today I
am sitting on a bench hoping to find the answers to the questions the great
scientists are raising for me and trying to understand how a bird so small can
mean so much to so many people.
By Isis M. Féliz
Jiménez
Isis,
ReplyDeleteI loved finding your piece on the Bicknell's Thrush. Thanks so much for sharing. I love your last line. Can I share your piece when I give presentations- attributing you as the author of course?
I forgot to sign my name to the message above. Mary Ann McGarry, Plymouth, New Hampshire
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