Originally, the birds were going to be blackbirds, but my husband suggested something brighter. He showed me a picture he'd taken of a yellow bird in the neighbor's yard, and we figured out it was a finch. It's one small detail, but it changed a lot of the story.
I love that they are finches. The goldfinch is, apparently, a symbol of the soul, or the transcendence of the spirit. I know this only because of a dream I once had in which a goldfinch was set free from a tattoo on my back (I don’t actually have that tattoo) and I searched for what it might mean.
What a beautiful dream. I've read about birds in different ancient cultures being associated with the spirits of those long dead or the souls of ancestors. I like to believe it's a good sign when they show up, especially in meaningful or symbolic ways.
Thank you Alex! I like to believe everyone gets a chance at grace, even beyond what we think of as possible. I'm not a universalist, but I've got my hopes. :)
Just an added comment - I've listened to the audio version of this story. You read it so very well. It sounds natural and real, with the emphasis in just the right spots. I'm starting to believe that authors are really the only ones who can do the audio version justice - they know the story best.
Thank you! I'm so glad you listened and enjoyed it. And yes, I always lean towards audio books that are read by the author. I want to hear their voice telling me their story.
This is so hauntingly, achingly beautiful. I'm not crying, you're crying 😫😫😫
Thank you so much Kit! I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little emotional writing it. I'm glad you found it meaningful.
Discovered this through your TiF entry and I'm so glad I did! Really well-written and a great story.
Thank you Katharine! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it. Glad to have you reading.
This was so wonderful. Distressing and then triumphant. I adored the psychopomp finches.
Thank you Liz. Happy you enjoyed it.
Originally, the birds were going to be blackbirds, but my husband suggested something brighter. He showed me a picture he'd taken of a yellow bird in the neighbor's yard, and we figured out it was a finch. It's one small detail, but it changed a lot of the story.
I love that they are finches. The goldfinch is, apparently, a symbol of the soul, or the transcendence of the spirit. I know this only because of a dream I once had in which a goldfinch was set free from a tattoo on my back (I don’t actually have that tattoo) and I searched for what it might mean.
What a beautiful dream. I've read about birds in different ancient cultures being associated with the spirits of those long dead or the souls of ancestors. I like to believe it's a good sign when they show up, especially in meaningful or symbolic ways.
That dragged my feet off the floor and into Hermes' tunnel. WELL DONE
Thank you Graeme. I'm so happy the story engaged you. Wonderful to have you here.
Powerful. Really enjoyed it.
Thank you! I appreciate you reading it.
Superb. Love the image of the window and candle as a porthole into life.
Thank you Keith. Storytelling through strong imagery is a talent I'm trying to develop.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I love this take on the afterlife and "unfinished business". Really haunting and yet beautiful.
Thank you Alex! I like to believe everyone gets a chance at grace, even beyond what we think of as possible. I'm not a universalist, but I've got my hopes. :)
And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with praying and hoping for that! :)
What a lovely story, Jennifer - vivid and poignant. Beautiful imagery - disturbingly beautiful, you might say!
Thank you Jean! That's good to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Just an added comment - I've listened to the audio version of this story. You read it so very well. It sounds natural and real, with the emphasis in just the right spots. I'm starting to believe that authors are really the only ones who can do the audio version justice - they know the story best.
Thank you! I'm so glad you listened and enjoyed it. And yes, I always lean towards audio books that are read by the author. I want to hear their voice telling me their story.
Great story Jennifer, enjoyed this. - Jim
Thank you Jim!