These trying times
Oil on Linen, 104 x 80cm
The birds were gathered in the lounge room, splattered and perched on the wall and chair. The topic of discussion was the state of the world.
“Doom and gloom!” shrieked Willy Wagtail. Willy was a gossiper per excellence, a renowned eavesdropper and teller of tales. The Red-Backed Wrens eyed him suspiciously. They knew very well that Wagtail’s sources could be dubious.
The stoic Scarlet Honey-Eater, usually quiet in conversations, spoke up, “Throughout history there have always been troubling times. We can not escape them. The only control we have, lies in our reaction to these challenges.”
There were a few minutes of silent contemplation.
The Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo couple snuggled closer, “We have found great solace and comfort in our companionship - sharing the burdens”, they squawked.
The Red Chat blushed and chirped, ”Just looking at my crimson chest often makes me brave.” The birds nodded in agreement. The chat had a glorious red chest and just by staring at it now, they could feel their courage being strengthened.
On the table lay scattered delicious bush tucker. The fruit had been listening in on the conversation and now pitched in, speaking from experience, “These tough times, just like seasons, do not last forever. Eventually they too shall pass.” The birds all murmured their approval.
The banksias, grevilleas, and gum blossoms turned their flowered heads and spoke in sweet aromas, ”Being able to provide others with food, nectar, beauty and sweet aromas during bleak times, help us to feel better ourselves and to have more hope for a better tomorrow.
The woman in the painting leaned forward, looked carefully into the colourful lounge room, filled with flowers, fruit and birds. Her fluttering heart quietened, her worried soul softened.
“I am not alone”, she realised. “There is beauty to behold, people to love, things to take care of.” She got up from her chair and started the new day.