Say the Word
10” x16” original acrylic painting on canvas
These two gems.
The flash of red on a stalk. Deep shimmering black with a strike of bright red is like the call of a friend in the field. Or the uniform of a blackbird general.
This summer was the first that the girls went away to camp.
For hours we drove, through sugarcane fields and corn growing in the country and saw dozens upon dozens of Red-Winged Blackbirds in the fields we passed.
I knew the kids would have an amazing time away—leaving them for their first week away was more a deep breath for me than for them.
We drove away with the windows down and the blackbirds calling, the warm air filling the now otherwise quiet car.
Say the Word and I’ll be there for you. Spread the word, that you are well-loved and fully covered.
All those beautiful bird generals were like a handful of messengers reassuring me not to worry because they would keep watch, and sing their calling songs, and be right there for her—for us,— until we came again to bring her back home.
©2021 Alexis Castillo
