You look me in the eye and I know that we are friends
You come close as if to reassure and establish yourself to me
You know me
Caution still prevails
One day I know that we will bond
Your trust precious
Here you are King
You express to others that this is your domain
Your reign is respected
Challengers do not stay long in your presence
I am your gardener
I tend your land in hope for great yeild
You teach your children the way of courtship and duty
They also will be strong
A Willy Wagtail is a common small bird that many Australians are familiar with. A little black bird with a large tail that they flick from side to side. They love chasing small insects and I have heard many stories of Willy Wagtails following people whilst they mow the lawn chasing all the bugs that are escaping. They are our friends and very sweet neighbours to have. I had one who always popped in and he very clearly had claimed my backyard as his own. He was brave and was never afraid of me or my dog Sam. They are beloved to many Australians because of their boldness. Non aggressive they simply include us into their biosphere.
My reflection on them here, has greater lessons. It is always wise to be cautious when making new friends. But true friends contribute to each other. There are still clear boundaries, and respect is tantamount. Nature is always the greatest teacher in my opinion. We never have to tame anything. But trust builds great affection. Our bonds grow when there is safety and trust. We can befriend wild animals whilst never caging them or owning them or putting them in harms way. The greatest friendships and bonds, are the ones that allow us to exist in our authenticity and our freedom to come and go and also grow.
It is important, sometimes, to examine our friendships. Like any relationship, friendship deserves the same kind of consideration that we give to family and partners. True friends should be akin to family and just as deeply loved.
Little Wren 