The World Takes a Deep Breath

     With the cessation of most human movement,  a strange silence falls on our community. Nature looks around. The Beasts venture out of the forest, peeking into local cafes and restaurants. Furry digits trace the signs: Take Out Only. Just as the swans and dolphins have returned to the canals of Venice (probably following the fish) the Idyll-Beast is being spotted up and down North Circle Drive.

     Some of his restlessness is perhaps due to Heidi's continued absence. Plans to repatriate her from Washington have been... put on hold.  Members of the  Emotional Support Animal Task Force assembled to help Mueller's grand jury witnesses, retained for the House's impeachment hearings, and then kept in reserve in case witnesses would be called for the "trial" in the Senate, are sheltering in place. It is presently unknown how many animals were left behind, or how many may have "self naturalized," disappearing under the beds and into the woodwork, ventilation and uphostery. There's no point now in placing blame for the delay in returning these volunteers (and professionals) to their communities. In mid-February there seemed no hurry, just a bunch of plane reservations for unaccompanied animals.  Now, just as the nation experiences an unprecedented need for comfort, many of our furry first responders are sidelined.

     Many of us are separated from loved ones in this trying time. Some of us can do nothing but wait, while a small number race against time and the limits of human endurance. As we turn inwards our thoughts go out to them, both the isolated and the overwhelmed.  Those of us who can breathe normally are taking a deep breath, and taking stock of what we have and who we are. Spring is coming. And a somewhat distracted looking Idyll-Beast is sighted ambling toward town with a daffodil and a branch of plum blossoms in hand.