Spread your Wings and Fly

The storm was approaching. As all scampered to store food and secure shelters, the Hawk sat perched right on top of the tallest tree looking at it. The dark clouds and the lightning did not threaten it anymore. All my life I have been running for shelter, let me live it this time.

His wings hurt when stretched, the feathers were ruffled and old age had crept into the body. He clutched on to the branch, hard as if saying that this is the last time I would need you to perch me. The winds started to lash out hard at him. Then came the rain in large droplets.

Go down and take shelter in the hollow of the tree. It was just a short hop away, he thought. But no, it was his time to spread his wings and fly. The way he did when his mother pushed him off the nest the first time.

One strong push, a flap against the winds and off took the Hawk. The winds tossed him but there was no fear in him anymore. He did not even try to be steady. He constantly flapped harder and harder with all his might, as much as his wings could.

He wished for no miracle to happen, he knew he will never be able to brave the storm, but he want to soar once more. Trying relentlessly against the raging cyclone, he reached the center and felt the calm. The moment was blissful and worth the intense effort that took away the last bit of the strength left in him.

The great strength of the cyclone then pushed him hard, towards the ground. A force so full of vengeance but still it could not put even a bit of fear in the Hawk. Not exhausted or tired, but having spent all he had in him, he let nature decide the next course for him. He had done what he desired to and was free. The cyclone crashed him on the tree he used to perch and moved on leaving a pile of feathers that had no form or shape.