DEATH OF A SEA GULL

I witnessed the death of a sea gull this Sunday afternoon. It happened at Laguna Lake as the sun drifted toward the hilly horizon. A frisky brown dog attacked a group of sea gulls which were resting and preening their feathers. One unfortunate bird, too slow to fly away, was caught by the dog and died of an apparent broken neck. The dog’s owner picked up the dead gull and placed it gently in the water of the lake. He then drove away with his family and dog.

I went over and inspected the dead bird. It floated in the water, its head bent to one side, its beak under water. No blood marred the soft, white beauty of its feathers. The gull’s lifeless eye stared vacantly at the sky, unable to see its fellows circling overhead. Nearby coots, ducks, and geese floated silently on the lake. They seemed to be in mourning and paying their last respects. Considering it my friend, I prayed for the departed spirit of this sea gull. I was saddened to realize it would never play in the sky again.

How instant and surprising its death had been! What did the bird feel in its last violent seconds? What did the other birds feel? Their solemn, respectful behavior seemed to reflect knowledge of the loss of their friend. The same spirit which animates all life was no longer in the body of the dead bird. That spirit had returned to its Creator. It now soared high above the clouds on eternal wings of peace and freedom.

Essay #1
November 5, 1995

San Luis Obispo, California