In a time of enforced quiet and rest, I open the window for a literal breath of fresh air. It is springtime on the prairie with brown earth beginning to liven up to green, with tree branches still bare, but jonquils and crocus pushing their brave heads up through last night's three inch snow. Silence reigns, as the noise of the world is suspended through lack of traffic, neighbour's dogs, and children off at school. In that time, my cockatiel, C-more, and I both hear it. We both perk up, turn our heads listening with almost still breath willing it to sound again, almost afraid we are hallucinating a wish of renewal's symbol. Then, we hear it! The first meadowlark of the season. A bright, brief few notes, ending on a positive upbeat, in a singsong of almost speech, "hallo - are - you - there?" Immediatley C-more begins answering, singing his heart out for the thrill of it and joy of hearing an old friend. My eyes well up with tears of gratitude at this always mark of spring and the blessings of our existence...one little birdsong lifting all around me, most importantly my heart, with a joyful One Touch of the Great Spirit and I am at ease. Namaste!