Father's Day

A swift soars over the rushing river
June 12, 2013
colored pencil

There has been a great deal of rain this June and the Charles River has spilled over its banks. This added excitement has brought out the swifts which are insect-eating swallow-like birds. They dip and soar above the torrent, cascade and pool gobbling up newly hatched bugs. So, not only is there a flood of water, there is also a flood of life. The birds are busy feeding their ravenous babies who are tucked away in safe nests in backyard thickets and tangles.

I was reading in the backyard yesterday and observed a wren flitting to and from its birdhouse under a tree, Each time, the sun was just so that as it made each turn for home, I could see the lacy-winged insect in its beak. The babies seemed to know what would come next and they shouted their approval. I even hear them now early on this Sunday morning: it is Father's Day. There are tweets and songs and then there is the urgent chorus of hungry baby birds which stops as soon as it starts. Their chorus serves a purpose: "Me first! Don't forget me! I AM the center of the universe and you are my father/mother. Your life only has meaning in how well you serve me until I have no more need of this service." And then you can do it all over again!

Happy Father's Day Dad, wherever you are. Thank you!

Singing in the Rain

Three Geese
conté
06-05-12

Swift
conté
06-05-12

A light drizzle was falling as I drew these birds this morning. I like how the drops of water on the paper change the color of the chalk. Keeping things loose.

detail: raindrops and conté crayon

detail: two geese close-up

detail: many swifts and swallows dart and swoop over the water feeding on the plentiful insects.