A very nice homage to Chloe, Kert. By the way, do those raccoons live in your attic, or in an outbuilding? Are they permanently settled, or just nesting? I ask because we have raccoons as well; three babies! But they are destroying the roof space above my shop with their toxic waste.
The raccoons roam free out in nature—we are fortunate to live on an acre of land that borders a fairly large and protected greenbelt/forest. And we are doubly fortunate in that no raccoons or rodents have taken up residence in any of our structures. We had a relatively minor issue with rodents when we first moved on to our land, but we used organic and natural means to minimize their presence. Growing up on a farm one realizes we live among other animals and we are always faced with choices on how to do that.
It’s YUCKY that you have three young raccoons who seem to find your home comfortable themselves. (And where there are three young ones, there could be a fourth big one?). Let me know how you manage that—they need to be relocated especially since they’re not paying rent!
Sounds like a nice place you have there. I’m lucky to have 4/10 of an acre so close to downtown Hyannis. We have lots of trees and birds on our property.
There is this old poorly built outbuilding that had a nearly flat roof which fell into disrepair. So the previous owner added a second roof above it. The raccoons have taken up residence in that crawlspace. They return every year and I have been negligent in repairing all of the holes where they get in because I’ve been wanting to tear down the building and replace it. But haven’t ever gotten to it!
This line stayed with me: “Grief runs in all directions. Death feeds all life. It must.” There’s a quiet truth here that I don’t think we talk about enough.
Your writing helped me see that grief isn’t just ours to carry but part of the larger web. The way you witnessed Diane’s loss and honored it with presence and care, a kind of reverence we need more of. Thank you for helping me feel it. Lastly, you help us see how our beliefs shape our behavior, and how choosing to stay emotionally open, even to pain, is a path to becoming more human.
I’m reading this comment, Ryan, as the last thing I’ll do before heading toward bedtime. You’ve made my entire day by these kind, kind words. Thank you my friend. 🙏🏼
Kert, oh my goodness..! I am truly honoured that you’d even consider an homage to Death & Birds, but the way in which you’ve offered this story of Diane, of Jack, their babies, the racoons, their grief, and the divine right of all of those things to exist together—it’s profoundly moving, and profoundly wise. How beautiful that you’ve had your land certified as a natural wildlife habitat, how beautiful that you’re living so mindfully of your wild kin. I am greatly relieved to know that you’re in the world. I'm humbled by your words about mine, and I offer you the deepest of bows for the ways in which you are witnessing this extraordinary world of ours. Thank you, so much, Kert.
You can’t even write a comment that isn’t beautiful. Talk about being humbled. And will graciously and so gratefully receive your kind words, for they have made my heart light this morning.
"Grief runs in all directions. Death feeds all life. It must." A beautiful and aching post, Kert. It comes at a time when a close friend has recently died and I've been musing about death.
Do ducks feel grief? Like you, I believe that all life feels loss and also feels love-- the cycle of things. As I was reading your post, I thought about how wedded I can be to my computer, my phone, and while sometimes, as in writing, my digital devices become a tool; they just as easily become a numbing mechanism -- and oh there's so much I would like to erase and numb out from our current world. Your essay brings it all down to what it is, and here's that quote again: "Grief runs in all directions. Death feeds all life. It must." This grounded me this morning.
More fodder for contemplation, and a small ache in my heart for Jack and Diane's loss, next to a small understanding that we have the potential to feel and experience life in a more meaningful way when we honor and embrace love and loss, life and death. As always, I am moved and deeply grateful for your words. Write on, my friend. Write on, and thank you for doing so. ~Stephanie
Well, right now I fail to find the right words for what your comments and reflections here mean to me. So I’ll just offer a grateful “thank you” in the hopes our two hearts continue to resonate. 🙏🏼
I think "resonate" is the right word and I am grateful to have found a kindred spirit. We never know who, how, or when our writing will touch another's heart. You have touched mine. (All my relations.)
Not all do, can, or want to…right? So people who can, do, and want to are a special kind of human. Intuitive, reflective, compassionate, empathetic…my kind of people. My peeps.
Thank you Kimberly. I love meeting kindred souls in this space.
Kert- Jack & Diane. Oh my. What a great song. Perfect names for this pair. I love that you have had your land certified as a natural wildlife habitat. I have had my own experiences with animals & grieving. They absolutely do grieve. Chloe writes like no other, on death and birds. A favorite, to be sure. I’m so glad she shared your piece. It resonates.
You know, Julia, one of the most unexpectedly beautiful things about being on Substack, since I’ve never had any other kind of social media account or presence, is the discovery of kindred spirits and souls who exist and are willing to share thoughts and gratitude. My peeps are people of depth, heart, authenticity, kindness, and compassion. My peeps resonate. So for you to use THAT word illuminated the discovery of another kindred soul. Gratitude to you for sharing such kind words. 🙏🏼
You are so kind to say that. I don’t think anyone who writes and has the courage enough to send their stuff out into the universe could dream of having someone respond with nicer words. The gratitude is reciprocated back to you. 🙏🏼
A very nice homage to Chloe, Kert. By the way, do those raccoons live in your attic, or in an outbuilding? Are they permanently settled, or just nesting? I ask because we have raccoons as well; three babies! But they are destroying the roof space above my shop with their toxic waste.
The raccoons roam free out in nature—we are fortunate to live on an acre of land that borders a fairly large and protected greenbelt/forest. And we are doubly fortunate in that no raccoons or rodents have taken up residence in any of our structures. We had a relatively minor issue with rodents when we first moved on to our land, but we used organic and natural means to minimize their presence. Growing up on a farm one realizes we live among other animals and we are always faced with choices on how to do that.
It’s YUCKY that you have three young raccoons who seem to find your home comfortable themselves. (And where there are three young ones, there could be a fourth big one?). Let me know how you manage that—they need to be relocated especially since they’re not paying rent!
Sounds like a nice place you have there. I’m lucky to have 4/10 of an acre so close to downtown Hyannis. We have lots of trees and birds on our property.
There is this old poorly built outbuilding that had a nearly flat roof which fell into disrepair. So the previous owner added a second roof above it. The raccoons have taken up residence in that crawlspace. They return every year and I have been negligent in repairing all of the holes where they get in because I’ve been wanting to tear down the building and replace it. But haven’t ever gotten to it!
Well, you at least have a happy little raccoon fam who appreciates your unintentional hospitality.
Yes, animals grieve, I have witnessed it. Thank you for sharing Chloe’s words. I enjoyed your complete read. “Life goes on…🎶
This line stayed with me: “Grief runs in all directions. Death feeds all life. It must.” There’s a quiet truth here that I don’t think we talk about enough.
Your writing helped me see that grief isn’t just ours to carry but part of the larger web. The way you witnessed Diane’s loss and honored it with presence and care, a kind of reverence we need more of. Thank you for helping me feel it. Lastly, you help us see how our beliefs shape our behavior, and how choosing to stay emotionally open, even to pain, is a path to becoming more human.
I’m reading this comment, Ryan, as the last thing I’ll do before heading toward bedtime. You’ve made my entire day by these kind, kind words. Thank you my friend. 🙏🏼
Wow, I didn't know. I'm so glad, Kert. Feels good to read this.
Kert, oh my goodness..! I am truly honoured that you’d even consider an homage to Death & Birds, but the way in which you’ve offered this story of Diane, of Jack, their babies, the racoons, their grief, and the divine right of all of those things to exist together—it’s profoundly moving, and profoundly wise. How beautiful that you’ve had your land certified as a natural wildlife habitat, how beautiful that you’re living so mindfully of your wild kin. I am greatly relieved to know that you’re in the world. I'm humbled by your words about mine, and I offer you the deepest of bows for the ways in which you are witnessing this extraordinary world of ours. Thank you, so much, Kert.
You can’t even write a comment that isn’t beautiful. Talk about being humbled. And will graciously and so gratefully receive your kind words, for they have made my heart light this morning.
"Grief runs in all directions. Death feeds all life. It must." A beautiful and aching post, Kert. It comes at a time when a close friend has recently died and I've been musing about death.
Do ducks feel grief? Like you, I believe that all life feels loss and also feels love-- the cycle of things. As I was reading your post, I thought about how wedded I can be to my computer, my phone, and while sometimes, as in writing, my digital devices become a tool; they just as easily become a numbing mechanism -- and oh there's so much I would like to erase and numb out from our current world. Your essay brings it all down to what it is, and here's that quote again: "Grief runs in all directions. Death feeds all life. It must." This grounded me this morning.
More fodder for contemplation, and a small ache in my heart for Jack and Diane's loss, next to a small understanding that we have the potential to feel and experience life in a more meaningful way when we honor and embrace love and loss, life and death. As always, I am moved and deeply grateful for your words. Write on, my friend. Write on, and thank you for doing so. ~Stephanie
Well, right now I fail to find the right words for what your comments and reflections here mean to me. So I’ll just offer a grateful “thank you” in the hopes our two hearts continue to resonate. 🙏🏼
I think "resonate" is the right word and I am grateful to have found a kindred spirit. We never know who, how, or when our writing will touch another's heart. You have touched mine. (All my relations.)
Thank you for sharing Chloe's words and publication.
I appreciate your threading humor into this little ditty, which is genuinely more profound than it seems.
Beautiful. I too, lean into the blistering, reaching ache of being alive. Oh how connected life is in this tender place.
Not all do, can, or want to…right? So people who can, do, and want to are a special kind of human. Intuitive, reflective, compassionate, empathetic…my kind of people. My peeps.
Thank you Kimberly. I love meeting kindred souls in this space.
My peeps indeed. Looking forward to reading more of your wide open heart.
Layered reflections,
ducks’ grief, raccoon’s hunger, death.
Ode, wake, class, tale, song.
Life teaches us all;
In the ways of Death, even.
Grief transcends species.
Quite a collage! Kert
Chloe Diane Bonnie Clyde.
May we learn from all.
Kert- Jack & Diane. Oh my. What a great song. Perfect names for this pair. I love that you have had your land certified as a natural wildlife habitat. I have had my own experiences with animals & grieving. They absolutely do grieve. Chloe writes like no other, on death and birds. A favorite, to be sure. I’m so glad she shared your piece. It resonates.
Deepest thanks Kert.
You know, Julia, one of the most unexpectedly beautiful things about being on Substack, since I’ve never had any other kind of social media account or presence, is the discovery of kindred spirits and souls who exist and are willing to share thoughts and gratitude. My peeps are people of depth, heart, authenticity, kindness, and compassion. My peeps resonate. So for you to use THAT word illuminated the discovery of another kindred soul. Gratitude to you for sharing such kind words. 🙏🏼
I thank you much for this.
You are so kind to say that. I don’t think anyone who writes and has the courage enough to send their stuff out into the universe could dream of having someone respond with nicer words. The gratitude is reciprocated back to you. 🙏🏼