“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” – song by Peter, Paul, and Mary
“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes
Wings – a symbol of freedom, of dreams soaring, of hope rising – have been assigned to so many types of animals: insects, birds, mammals (my last photo is a little bat asleep in a tree in Death Valley), and even some reptiles and fish. But each and every one of these wing-bearers return to a resting state at some point, fold their wings, and save their energy. I wonder at the moment when they know it’s time to soar. What propels them, emotionally? Fear? Purpose? Exhilaration?
“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops – at all” – Emily Dickinson
I had a dream about flying recently. I have those dreams periodically. But I never have physical wings in those dreams. What I have is a secret knowledge that I can lift off the ground and glide around…and that others cannot. I’m never completely certain of it, but while it’s working, it feels miraculous and special and effortless. I wake from those dreams with a sense of wonder and joy.
Thanks to Beth of Wandering Dawgs for this week’s challenge.
scillagrace 
What a beautiful post! I love the quotes, your thoughts on wings, and all of the images. The fairy is one of my favorites – I was hoping someone would have a fairy! The bat is terrific. Thanks for taking part in the challenge.
Thanks for hosting, Beth! What a great theme!
Beautiful post Priscilla. I love the fairy – what an interesting subject! – that proudly strutting crane in the flowers – amazing.
Thanks, Tina. I was lucky to live on a restored prairie near a lake, and a nesting pair of cranes returned there every year.
These photos are amazing, Priscilla. I would also love to have that dream. The girl with wings was a big surprise among all the other beautiful photos. Loved your gallery.
Thanks, Egidio. Faeries are another winged mammal that most people never see. 😉
A lovely gallery, Priscilla! Your song quote is a great introduction to your response! I love those nature photos of birds, in flight or otherwise.
Thanks, John. I learned to sing that song at Girl Scout camp when I was quite young. It came to mind immediately.
Beautiful photos, Priscilla, especially the third and forth, such peaceful mood on them.
Thanks, Sofia!
So many beautiful wings to be seen, the yellow butterfly is just lovely. Beautiful post
Thanks, Ritva!
A beautiful collection of winged photos.
Thank you, Lynette!
Beautiful images and thoughts. You have wings every time you hold a camera in your hand.
Thanks, Anne, and thanks for that last observation – that is something to ponder!
😍