“If I had wings no one would ask me should I fly
The bird sings, no one asks why.
I can see in myself wings as I feel them
If you see something else, keep your thoughts to yourself,
I’ll fly free then.”
This song immediately popped into mind at the thought of this week’s challenge theme. I sang it at Girl Scout camp in the 1970s and just now learned its origin. It was a Peter, Paul & Mary release written by Rev. Gary Davis. It brings back to mind my youthful yearning to discover my identity and live authentically.
Flight – it’s about doing what you were made to do, lifting off and reaching the heights, soaring, gliding, traveling and lighting down with a changed perspective from your experience.
Of course, it takes a long time to build up to Flight.
The pursuit of flight begins with the pursuit of basic needs. Imagine a caterpillar’s day, relentlessly munching on a single food source. Or a baby bird, all mouth and little patience, straining its spindly neck toward its parents. So many roadblocks can prohibit flight long before wings even appear: insufficient food, aggressive predators, absent care-givers, catastrophic accidents. It’s a miracle any living being ever takes off at all!
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
“How can you ask if I’m happy going my way?
You might as well ask a child at play!
There’s no need to discuss or understand me
I won’t ask of myself to become something else
I’ll just be me!”
scillagrace 
Such a lovely response Priscilla – somehow you always find a way to deliver a strong message along with your image. Loved the opening birds in flight as well as your little bee on the past-its-prime flower in closing. Looking forward to your challenge next week!
Thanks, Tina! I am excited to experience hosting next week. 🙂
I love how your post weaves together thoughts about being ourselves and the courage it takes to do that. Your images of nature are beautiful too. You express it so well: “Flight – it’s about doing what you were made to do, lifting off and reaching the heights, soaring, gliding, traveling and lighting down with a changed perspective from your experience. Of course, it takes a long time to build up to Flight.” We’re excited that you’re leading the challenge next Saturday. I’ll send you an email soon with a few last minute details–like the statement about my theme for the next week. I’ll be in touch!
Thanks, Patti! I may need to be away from home next Saturday, but I know that I can schedule everything in advance and preside over the exchanges from my location. I’m looking forward to it!
Great post Pricilla!
Thanks, Anne!
😊
I must say I was completely enchanted by that crawler who had yet to grow wings 🙂
And one day, grew to be a King with wings! 🙂 Thanks!
🙂
Wow. Great photos!
Thanks, John!
I always love your special touch, Priscilla. You have a way with words and images and a way of getting to the point, the philosophical point. Beautiful.
Thanks, Ann-Christine! One of the things I do like to create is meaning. 🙂
♥
A beautiful series,Priscilla. I love your bird captures especially!
Thanks, Amy!