Just before heading indoors after exploring an abandoned bird’s nest one day last week, I looked up and the golden glow of the sunset sky was so gorgeous, I was stunned. Moments into admiring the sky, a single goose caught my eye, its partner a little distance ahead. I took the shot.
The photo reminded me of a poem Dr. Benn, my undergraduate professor and mentor, shared with me:
The conditions of a solitary bird are five:
The first, that it flies to the highest point;
The second, that it does not suffer for company,
not even of its own kind;
The third, that it aims its beak to the skies;
The fourth, that it does not have a definite color;
The fifth, that it sings very softly.
–San Juan de la Cruz, Sayings of Light and Love
Obviously, this goose has very little in common with the “solitary” bird described in the poem–it was not alone; it doesn’t sing; it doesn’t even “honk” softly. But the lens captured a bird alone and reminded me of the poem.
Pics and Posts 
Beautiful photo and lovely memory of Dr. Benn.
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Thanks, Pink. I still miss his presence.
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Stunning photo Chandra Lynn, and moving memory of Dr. Benn. Great professors have lasting effects on us all.
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Thanks and yes. He has influenced what happens in my own classrooms and the way I interact with students. He was amazing!
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What a great photo, Chandra – thanks for sharing
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Thanks, Val! 🙂
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Beautiful photo and lovely poem. A very nice way to remember someone.
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Thank you, Suzy. Your words mean a lot to me.
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Great shot and lovely poem. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you, Carol!
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That’s a fantastic shot! I’m jealous you got it. lol And a lovely poem too.
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LOL. Thank you. It was surprising. Last week was filled with surprising photo shots.
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Beautiful post 😉
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Thanks, Sheila!
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