When my brother was twenty-one
he headed west
to count birds.
Fresh out of college,
his personal map
had no next destination.
Spotted owls seemed
a novel waypoint.
In 1990,
northern spotted owls joined
the Endangered Species Act
list of vulnerable species.
For decades,
logging,
human encroachment,
and other owl species
worked to diminish the
spotted owl population of Oregon.
Day after day,
my brother headed out
no matter the weather
to count,
catalogue,
watch.
Spending time
in the company of owls
changed my brother.
Today,
my brother
navigates the rivers
of Montana,
a fly fishing guide.
Elk, wolves,
bear, and yes,
owls share the landscape
with my brother.
Thirty years ago
in my corporate suit,
I questioned my brother’s
choices.
Now,
I marvel at his wisdom
so young —
to stake a life outdoors
after walking
amid the majesty of owls.
A Reading Life 
’Let birds lead the way’ seemed like an irresistible introduction. What an appealing poem, how your appreciation of your brother’s wisdom has grown. Beautifully set down. have you shared it with him yet?
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Yes, to Fran’s question! I hope you have shared it with your brother! It’s a beautiful reflection about a person who has lived by following his passions.
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I love the images in this poem. Your brother versus your corporate suit. So powerful!
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the majesty of owls… beautiful line!
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Your last stanza comes full circle. Love the image of your corporate suit vs your brother’s landscape “amid the majesty of owls”. Beautiful writing, my friend.
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I’m going to be honest here. I LOVE birds, but owls intimidate me. The likelihood that one will attack me and peck my eyes out is rare, I know. But when they lock eyes with you–I know who is boss.
The fact that your brother immersed himself in the natural world at 21 is awe inspiring. “Spending time in the company of owls changed my brother.” Let him know I’m ready to read his memoir!
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Beth, wow, that is gorgeous. I will echo the others hoping you have shared this with him. Especially that last stanza. Oh, boy! So rich and beautiful. It makes him sound wise indeed. Beautiful poem.
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