The bluebird carries the sky on his back ~ Henry David Thoreau

Blue bird, Thoreau… what a perfect alliance of beauty and wonder.

When I think Thoreau and I think about the bluebird, what comes to mind, is the author sitting under the shade of a tree and spotting a speck in the sky. He patiently waits for the speck to get closer. How long he waits he knows not. For our author does not believe in getting trapped by time. So he waits and then the speck comes nearer. But for the rhythmic pattern of its flapping, it would seem to be a fistful of the sky falling off. He watches in wonder at such a beautiful sight and immediately it strikes him that “The bluebird carries the sky on his back”… Sheer imagination, but honestly doesn’t it seem perfect! Remember, it’s Pria who is doing the writing. Vivid imagination. Dreamer. etc etc etc

Moving on, why does the bluebird fascinate me, you ask? Good question.

{Apart, this is a good way of buying time. Have you noticed how people, when they are taken off guard, immediately say, that’s a good question… like I don’t know thinks the one who asked the question, but yeah, it helps the poor target gain its composure, lest it be slaughtered. I bought enough time that I did not need }

I have asked myself this question quite a few times and seen the answer change. Some of the ones that I do remember are -

• They are so beautiful. There are actually “blue” birds like “blue” bells. Fascinating, isn’t it?
• They are a beautiful blue. Wish I can find a free-picture for those who have not seen one. You can Google for it. I am talking about the bluest bluebird around.
• Well, it is a bird and I’d love to fly like a bird.
• Most importantly, Thoreau introduced the bird to me. I had to find out more. So, I did.

The bluebird actually carries the sky on his back. No! I am not repeating myself. It is just the truth. Apparently the blue color of the bird is not from any pigmentation in the feathers, it is simply because it reflects the color blue. Isn’t that neat… So in a sense, the bluebird could actually be carrying the blue of the sky on its back. It is not containing but only reflecting the blue.

That is the reason I fell in love with this birdie.

A bird that carries the color blue , carries it around but does not actually hold it. It’s some sort of a happy catalyst of the color. Of the joy. It belongs to the sky truly, as it proves in its own little way. Another integral part of this ever so enthralling Nature, interdependent, joyous in its harmony, all a part of a huge puzzle which is so complete and if one small piece went missing it would be such a waste of a beautiful picture. There is some ongoing effort to conserve this beautiful species ~ bluebirds, also known as Sialia sialis.

If anybody does happen to see this beautiful bird, be sure to do your bit, perhaps build a bluebird trail. But, most of all do not forget to take a picture and send a copy to me!

If I were a bluebird,
A happy speck up in the sky;
Would you look up and wonder;
How I am so blue; How I fly so high?

Or would you be too busy?
Dashing through the streets -
Through life. Having an adrenaline rush;
Your own secret high…

~Pria