Today's MOZEN: Life and Death on a Rooftop

F LoBuono

Because we live in, arguably, the greatest megalopolis in the world, our pace tends to be frenetic at best and maddening at worst. Most of us rarely take a moment to witness the constant pageant of life - and death - that surrounds us on a daily basis.

Of course, when a situation like the illness or death of a loved one or friend directly effects us we are completely attuned to the details. But, the rest of the time we are too busy going about our hurley-burly lives to notice much else.

And, that my friends, is truly unfortunate.

However, once in a while, if we trust our senses and open our eyes, hearts, and minds, you just might notice something extraordinary.

It happened to me today.

I was feeling a little down and overwhelmed. I'm usually more "up" than "down" but, that does not mean I'm a happy idiot. Quite to the contrary, I can, just like about everyone else, get pretty dark. So, I decided to visit with a friend in town who tends to be like-minded and, therefore, understands my moods. After a few minutes at his apartment, he suggested we go to his roof to take in the sites and get out into the open. We climbed the ladder and entered a new world. The 360 degree panorama of the Village of Nyack, the Tappen Zee, and Hook Mountain were nothing short of spectacular. As usual, our conversation was deep and varied. We share so much spiritually it is easy to be completely honest.

As is my passion, while we were talking, I made a few photos. Suddenly, and for not direct reason, my attention was drawn to a rapid movement in the sky. I actually felt her presence before I even saw her. It was Peregrine falcon with a fresh kill. I knew it. I've written about it before on this blog. I have always felt that birds of prey are one of my Familiars, i.e. animals that act as my spirit guides. They seem to appear when I need them most. This power can manifest itself in strange ways. For example, even when driving my car, my friends are amazed that, seemingly without warning, I'll say, "look there - it's a hawk", or some other bird of prey. And, sure enough, one will fly over the car.

Today was no exception. She caught my eye immediately.

And, what a privilege it was for her to allow us into her world. Fierce and beautiful at the same time, she was magnificently marked with large, dark eyes that act like binoculars when spotting prey. Shaped like a missile, her very presence screamed SPEED. It is no accident that they are the fastest animals in the world with a top diving speed of over 200 MPH. In fact,they have been clocked at speeds of nearly 250 MPH! That poor bird that she took never knew what hit her. Ironically, she roosted on a TV antenna to devour her meal.

My friend and I marveled at this magnificent animal while, at the same time, lamenting that another animal had to die so that this one might live. But, this IS the lesson. We are not to interfere OR judge. It is not cruel - Both of those animals lived (and one died) within and WITH nature. Their fates where sealed by what they are: predator and prey. It is a never-ending cycle. It is life.