Image by JL G from Pixabay

I saw an owl today.

The bird’s eyes glare at me through the snow.

Such a harsh winter makes sense for an owl to arrive in my view.

Almost blinded by sleet,

it was a vision I shouldn’t have seen,

but I did.

As I walked home it’s yellow eyes burned into my thoughts.

It’s a gaze of misfortune.

All I can do is wait for tragedy to arrive at my doorstep.

Seeing an owl means the coming of a tragic event.

To some a misunderstood messenger.

To most just a bird.

To me a bad omen.

Words from the Author – Braylon Pego

The idea “The Owl” came from my thoughts about native culture. I wanted to write about native beliefs and an owl was something I knew about. The owl was something I learned about from my aunt a while ago and it’s something that’s constantly on my mind. What I mostly think about is that I have never seen a owl, so what would it be like if someone did see one? Would they worry about it or not really care.

Revision Decision:

In my revisions for “The Owl” I added the line, “almost blinded by sleet.” That addition really changes the whole setting and vibe of the poem in my opinion because it adds a visual experience most people are familiar with.

Photo Credit – Caitlyn Batterbee

They say shadows follow darkness.

The paranoid people,
Afraid of what’s following them.

But, in the darkness,
nobody saw that everything shined brightly.

The sounds and sights,
many people fear the night.

But in the night,

The moon glows brightly on the water’s bay.
The campfire crackling away.
The Marshmallows roasting perfectly on each side.
The stars twinkling in rhythmic form.
The waterfall crashing in the distance.
The crickets chirped their nightly song.

And a wish to tell people,
there are perfections within the imperfections —
nature’s call forming its calming song.

You had to be there.
You had to see and hear the visions to not be afraid.

Words from the Author – Caitlyn Batterbee

I wrote this poem to symbolize someone being afraid of something without trying it. This poem was meant to be words of encouragement to help someone try experiencing something because they may never know if they actually like it until they try it or experience it.

Revision Decision:

At first this poem was very short and undescriptive, but then I realized that it would be better and get my point out there if I add description, like “The moon glows brightly on the waters’ bay” to show all the positive things that people think isn’t there.