We waited beneath verdant forest veils for the owl to make its entrance
We believed the owl was a sign of wisdom
We believed we were wise for waiting
The others mocked our folly
Saying the owl was a portend of doom
They believed they were wise for warning
We poised our eyes like stealth missiles awaiting target
Attuned our hearing to bat-like frequency
They plugged their ears and slammed their eyes shut loudly like angry lovers making statements
Then came the beating breeze
Then came the rush of feathers
Then came the genius of the oracle’s wisdom
‘Hoot-hoot-hoot’
We reveled in it
They missed it … how sad!

(mish 2016)