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Shortly after I watched the full moon slide behind the trees on the ridge outside my cell window, Dusty, a young orange mackerel tabby tomcat, made his morning round meowing to everyone he met what sounded to me a lot like “Good Morning.” That was a great start to a day that got even better.

As I walked to the mess hall for breakfast, I spotted two killdeer on the ground apparently hunting for bugs before the sun came up. Instead of flying, as I expected, they continued on their mission, ignoring my presence. I’ve never been that close to killdeer before. Classy elegance.

Later, while gazing out my window, I spotted our neighborhood peregrine falcon cruising over the field that lies between the fence near my building and the ridge. Effortlessly, he glided gracefully; then, in a blur, he dove to the ground. Streamlined power.

To crown an already wonderful day, my favorite red-tailed hawk appeared, alighting atop one of his favorite perches, a utility pole near the ridge. He stretched his wings wide, holding them at their limit momentarily, as if he knew I was watching and wanted to acknowledge my presence. Feathered majesty.

It is hard to believe that anyone had a more joyous day than I.

by John S., CLF prisoner member