https://Voice.club - He lies on the bed, an old man in an old body with a heart that longs to soar.
From his window he views stars at night and birds by day. He watches Ursa Major lumber through the night sky always circling Polaris. This bear, tethered to a star just as he is tethered to his failing body, can at least view the world from his skybox suite.
He sighs, watching cardinal and goldfinch enjoy a leisurely luncheon at the feeders outside his window. The cardinal serenades the scene while the finch flits from post to post, spreading gold around the yard. Their lunch complete, they take their scarlet and gold away, flitting and chirping across the sky to a different smorgasbord of seeds in a new, more exciting location.
He watches the goldfinch leave his view on its way to warmer climes in Florida or Mexico, while the cardinal retires to his nearby nest from where he will reappear periodically to bring memories of love to those who see him. In the man’s eyes, the cardinal is sent by the one who used to sit beside him daily, sharing his love of the birds.
The stars are given the ability to change their positions; the birds share joy to a world-wide audience. He also wants to shine, to sing, to fly, to fling golden light around, to fill the world with bright colors and joy.
That night he dreams an owl lands on his windowsill. With cocked head and blinking eyes, the owl persuades him that he too can fly. The man gingerly balances on the window frame, reaching out to grasp the close-hanging tree limbs. Swinging himself out and up, he looks skyward to see the stars twinkling through the leaves, inviting him to join them. Song of owl and whispers of starlight carry him away.
Glancing back at his body on the edge of the bed, he smiles as high above the triad of cardinal, owl, and sleeper, a shooting star soars.