Richard Finch Carved Birds: A Reflection on Harmony in Nature

As I sit here, surrounded by the eerie mist that has engulfed our garden during November Dark, my mind wanders back to the peaceful kingdom we once knew. It's a realm where creatures coexisted harmoniously, with no signs of conflict or aggression. Our fox friend, Ferdia, was an integral part of this community, and his daily visits would often wake us up at dawn with his barks outside our bedroom window.

Ferdia's presence brought a sense of unity to the mixed community that shared our territory. He was content to live alongside the bird families, pheasants, rats, mice, and even the occasional cat that dropped by. It was as if he understood the importance of coexistence, and we were grateful for his gentle nature.

In those early years, our garden was a haven, where life thrived without discord. The birds would flit about, chirping their morning songs, while Ferdia would patrol the perimeter, ensuring everyone's safety. We'd often catch glimpses of him carved into the landscape, his presence as natural as the trees and bushes that surrounded us.

But November Dark has brought with it a sense of tragedy to our garden. The once-clear views across Roaringwater Bay are now shrouded in mist, giving the impression of being marooned in a lifeless grey tract that stretches as far as the eye can see. Even the cobwebs on the gorse bushes seem to cling to everything, like tiny fingers grasping for something tangible.

As we transition from autumnal skies and spectacular sunsets to the approaching cold months, November Dark serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. The term itself is a reflection of the preceding nights when no moon is visible, casting an eerie silence over our little corner of the world.

In these moments, I find myself thinking about Richard Finch's carved birds, which adorn our garden. They stand as a testament to the harmony that once existed here, and serve as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always beauty to be found. The birds may not be singing their morning songs anymore, but they remain a symbol of hope, reminding us that life can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

As I look out at our mist-shrouded garden, I am filled with a sense of longing for those idyllic days when Ferdia would stroll by, his bushy tail held high. But even in the midst of November Dark, there is a beauty to be found in the quiet moments, and it's these moments that remind us of the importance of harmony in nature.

Richard finch carved birds