Cities and Gardens
Animals adapt to life in the cities and suburbs. They live with people in their cities, houses, and gardens. Cities are host to wild animals, most of whom pay no mind to people. In fact, they are the people’s closest contact with wildness. The animals that live with people are resourceful. People often find snakes, living in their attics, feasting on mice, that live in their houses. Forest animals, such as squirrels, have learned to make their homes in cities. These animals teach resourcefulness, adaptability, and hiding in plain sight.
Nature in gardens is controlled and subdued. Animals that live in there are often shy and nocturnal. Many foxes, moles, and hedgehogs are nighttime visitors. People may see birds at their feeders during the day, but bats, living under roofs, wait for night to eat the insects attracted by porch lights. A hidden world, a magical place with small animals, is what a garden really is.
Air
For many people, air is the movement between earth and heavens. Birds, bats, and insects use air as their domain. Birds rise to new heights to the heavens. Butterflies ride on currents migrating to their wintering places. Bats come out at nightfall, when the air is still.
Air connects people to the world of the spirit. For example, in “The Bible”, God appeared to Job out of a whirlwind. Movement of air speaks of change. People often use wind as a metaphor for change and omens. (i.e. “An ill wind blows no one any good.”)
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Va. Carper
April 19, 2004