Rezervatia de zimbrii Dragos Voda. Cristian Bortes. CC-BY 2.0
I live in the country.
Long before daybreak, a rooster crows for all he’s worth, a passionate, guttural cry signifying that the dark night is ending.
My kitchen bay window faces east, catching the first glimmers of pink in the sky.
A short drive on the winding road by my home carries me past weathered stables and tobacco barns, abandoned unpainted houses from a bygone era, and fields where farmers still make their living.
There’s a horse or two in the pastures, innumerable goats, and the occasional delightful donkey, silvery-gray and calm. I have learned that donkeys keep coyotes away – how extraordinary.
One day, along a bend in the road, beside an old gate overgrown with brambles, a peacock strutted, the morning light electrifying the brilliant blue of his body. I slowed down, wishing I could see the long green train of his feathers fan out, but the peacock was skittish and went back through the gate via some hidden hole. Surely he should not have been out by the road, although the sight of him made me grateful to be alive. From then on, I looked for him.
Until the day I rounded that same curve and there, in the middle of the road, stood a white peacock.
I could not believe my eyes – I never knew such a thing existed.
But there he was, gleaming like some divine messenger, standing right on the double yellow lines. I slowed to a stop. He looked at me through the windshield; I hardly dared to breathe. He took his time heading back to the lush bank by the brambly gate, as if he owned this road, maybe this entire world, his long white tail feathers dragging behind him like a bridal train or a king’s ermine robe.
I watched him go, oblivious of everything around me except the sheer splendor of his presence.
I have learned, then, that every day is new, that there are unexpected wonders waiting just around the bend. In the middle of the familiar and mundane might be something rare, glorious, breathtaking.
Be watching.
lit bits and pieces 
You have described such a lovely view! I lived in the country when I first got married and miss some of the unexpectedness. Regardless, I should always be watching! Happy writing!
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Thank you, Leigh Anne! You must have priceless memories from that time in your life. Once the country gets in your soul, it never leaves. Happy writing to you as well.
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Wow! I was immediately drawn in to your narrative by your incredible imagery. I especially loved your paragraph describing the peacock as a divine messenger… “his long white tail feathers dragging behind him like a bridal train or a king’s ermine robe.” “I hardly breathed” reminded of the picture book, Salt Hands. Gorgeous moment – thanks for sharing!
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Thank you, Laurie, for this incredibly thoughtful feedback. I keep looking for this glorious bird; I’ve seen him twice and am hoping he stays out of the road! I must read Salt Hands now. Much joy to you ~
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This was such a gem. I am going to be looking more closely, if only for the possibility of a white peacock! I wanted to sit in your story and take in all the calm. What a peaceful and extraordinary time!
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Thanks so much! I keep looking for this magnificent creature – I’ve seen him twice. I am so glad you enjoyed reading the piece, and deeply appreciate your response. I expect you will see even more glorious things!
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The way you’ve written this makes me feel like I was right there with you, taking in all the splendor of that white peacock. I especially love your ending–Be watching just sticks with me after reading this. Welcome to the March Slice of Life Challenge!
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Thanks so much! I’m delighted that you felt “right there” when reading. That’s important to me. I do believe we have keep our eyes open for the wondrous, always. Joy to you~
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Wow! So beautiful. I can totally see your environment and want to take pictures of it. 🙂
Donkeys scare off coyotes? I did not know that! I learned something today. Thanks!
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It’s a lovely place; I grew up in the city, so I truly savor the rustic beauty here. I was astonished to learn that about donkeys, myself! Thank so much for reading and for your comments. Much joy to you!
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