A Visit to the Owl
What must have gone through poor Mrs. Brisbee’s mind? A mouse, venturing into the lair of an owl so close to dark. Nothing short of a desperate mother’s love for her sick son could so drive her to face such horror alone.
And what did she gain? A riddle. Seek out the rats of the rose bush. Ask them to accomplish the Sisyphean task of moving her home to “the lee of the stone.”
But she survives her encounter with certain death. The Owl takes flight. And she has her answer.
I marveled at this animated classic as a child. The fierce, matter-of-fact presence of the night raptor, the timid-yet-earnest demeanor of the mother-mouse. Years later, Mrs. Brisbee’s encounter with the Owl still elicits a shudder. And a smile.
new moon a dead mouse rises in a bloody talon
Victoria hosts at dVerse Poets Pub tonight. She asks for a haibun on the subject of owls. I couldn’t resist this foray into nostalgia!
UPDATE: also up on Imaginary Garden with Real Toads–Tuesday Platform
Frank J. Tassone 
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