The Audacious Crow

My spirit animal

Every morning upon sunrise, I am greeted by dozens of corvids clinging to the trees and balancing on the utility wires. They serenade me in their unique style, waking me up to a new day. I sit by the edge of the bed, mindful of their spirit. Crows are here for me symbolically to encourage me to stay in the moment and view the world from a unique perspective. I channel the crow in my poetry, photography, and stories, becoming a keen observer, using plain and simple language — and, above all, being earnest. The crows now recognize me and aren’t skittish when I approach. And many have developed an affinity for me, no longer watching my every move with suspicion. Instead, I have become their ally, although not a member of their tribe, but someone who won’t hurt them but appreciates their nature.

Crows are intelligent, dignified, flexible, and adaptive to virtually any situation. I find many of them at Oak Park during my morning walk. They gather around the overflowing trashcans, scouring for food and materials for their nests. I snap close-ups of their beaks that serve as Swiss army knives, solid and sharp enough to open cans — and can carry a variety of objects to where they perch. In 2012, I left Philadelphia for Santa Barbara. I didn’t have a job or family in California, but I had a girlfriend I would eventually marry. And our apartment was surrounded by a park with oak and eucalyptus trees. The first morning in Santa Barbara, cawing crows woke me at 6 a.m. I heard them say, “We trigger your mindfulness. Listen to us, and you will discover many important things about the world and yourself.”

As a result of their presence, I closed my eyes, slowed my breath, and sat by the edge of the bed each morning for ten minutes. My crow meditation felt like flying between the worlds of life and death. I experienced much guidance in those few moments and welcomed the crow’s cawing, barking, and shrilly cries. Their sounds were like a singing bowl of awareness that led me to ask myself these questions — Should I follow my passion? Should I give up my practical pursuits and do what I love? How do I want to live the rest of my life?

They made me think of my choices and led me to a mind-space of creativity. A crow is my spirit animal — my curiosity guide, creative muse, and vision to see things from a richer perspective.

My Spirit Animal

While I cannot fly like the crow, I can paint pictures of the sky with my words I can cause mischief, be curious, audacious, climb a mountain and see the world, practice magic, and discover great mysteries in the depths of poetry — that will help me transform.

© 2021 Mark Tulin

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