I am drawn to the metaphoric significance of the dead bird in my graphic novel even though I am uncertain what the metaphor is.
I come across these sacred moments on my walks and always pay attention. I stay still. And try to listen.
My friends are sharing in my search for the meaning.
My search continues. I seek out meaning in literature. Since I was 10, I come back to Oscar Wilde’s story of the nightingale. I cannot read it without a profusion of tears for the nightingale and its sacrifice.
In dreams, dead birds can symbolize a loss of freedom. Various cultures view birds either as a way the soul is carried to heaven, or, in the case of vultures, ravens and crows, as a symbol of death.
When I read the quote above, I recalled my scratchy notes on the central theme for my graphic novel. What is the need Molly is trying to fulfill? What is her core value? What is the one word?
FREEDOM.
That is it. I believe I have found the central theme. The meaning of the dead bird. My need to seek them out and listen.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom…
– May Angelou
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