SONG OF THE LOONS story

This morning's stillness was disturbed by the strange, laughing call of a loon. It's long “AH-WHO-AH-HA-HA” rang in echoes through the early mist.

Colin was the first to hear and sat up in the tent. He generously rubbed sleepy eyes. His young ears accepted the beautiful chorus rising high above the little lake. Colin loved the sound of loons.

Last night these same calls crossed the darkening sky. They were the last sounds he heard before sleepy time in the twilight. Grandpa explained they were the true spirit of the forest. And this morning was a repeat performance. Colin touched his grandpa lightly on the shoulder.

Their nylon dome tent was quite warm from sun’s early burst of heat. Now the yellow ball looked like an egg yolk as Colin peeked through the doorway.

"What time is it?" grandpa mumbled.

"Time to get up." Colin spoke in a whisper, "Listen. It's them again."

Grandpa quickly dressed and joined his grandson outside. The chilly air was like a splash of cold water on their faces. They crept to the edge of the water. He reached for his binoculars and passed them to Colin. His grandson was anxious as he focused on his target.

A fuzzy picture emerged at first. Then he saw the dark outline of a loon. Its head and neck were blackish with narrow patches of white on the throat. It was neat to observe such a beautiful creature. Grandpa said loons usually lived in pairs, with their own favorite lake. This place was now special for Colin too.

Both he and grandpa had planned this trip a week ago. It was supposed to be a fun trip. But it was hard to forget the sadness he felt in his heart. Colin's mom and dad were having some family problems. It was not pleasant at home. And grandpa knew a camping weekend would be just the right medicine for a little grandson.

It would also give Colin's mom and dad some private time to talk things over. Colin tried not thinking about whether mom and dad loved each other any more.

Their arguing seemed to be getting worse. His eyes blurred as he looked through the binoculars. If only his parents were here to see this. Colin knew the wonderful scene in front of him could bring peace to anyone. He wished with all his heart everything would be okay when he returned home tomorrow.

The boy felt grandpa's arm across his shoulder. It was warm and comforting. "Look Colin, they're diving for small fish for breakfast," he said.

Colin learned from grandpa loons could stay underwater a long time, surfacing much further away. He turned and gave the 'glasses' back to his grandpa. Then he walked a little way and leaned against a tree.

"How about some breakfast?" grandpa quietly asked. Colin's thoughts were mixed up as he watched grandpa prepare the campfire.

"Okay I guess," the boy said. He decided to help a little, then a lot. Soon, the dark cloud left his thoughts. "Grandpa, do loons ever fight?" Colin suddenly asked.

"I don't know, grandpa answered. “If they don't, I'm sure it's because they realize a family has to care for one another."

Colin wished all humans could be like that. Not fight, just care for each other. Then they would be happier.

"It's not possible for a perfect world," grandpa's voice interrupted.

"Well it's not fair. We should be doing things together. Just like the loons!" Colin shouted. He thought about what grandpa had also said. “Loons lay two eggs. And as they grow up, each parent looks after one of the young loons. To teach and protect them.”

After breakfast, grandpa and grandson cleaned up. Dishes washed, tent swept out, and sleeping bags opened wide to air them out. More wood was collected for the supper campfire.

Then, grandson and grandpa headed out for a little canoe trip. They removed shoes, socks and slipped bare feet into Deyarmond Lake. They carried then pushed the canoe into deeper water before getting in. Colin's paddle thumped loudly on the thwart.

"Did I scare away the loons, grandpa?"

"No Colin. They know you mean them no harm. Besides, they're resting somewhere right now. I’m sure we'll see them again tonight."

The day passed swiftly as their canoe moved easily from one inlet to another. Peanut butter, jam sandwiches, along with a jar of water was their lunch. During their trip they saw chipmunks, a porcupine, deer and many varieties of birds. The Chick-a-Dee was Colin's favorite. Its piping call seemed to ask, “How do you like my land?”

Supper was a delicious meal of steak and beans. "I want tonight to be just perfect," grandpa said. "Good food and good camping with my grandson."

"With lots of love," Colin added. The words leaped right out of his mouth. "And no more fighting at home," he whispered.

Colin thought about his mother and father. He wished they were with him, right now. He wanted his family to have fun times together. Like the way it is with grandpa. Maybe he should tell his parents about how sad he feels inside sometimes.

About how kind grandpa is to him. And the way the loons send a neat shiver up and down Colin’s back. Maybe he should help more at home, with the dishes.

Instead of complaining, maybe even smile when he helped dad carry in the firewood. The next time his father got grouchy, Colin promised himself not to growl back. Or slam his bedroom door when he was upset.

Colin thought each one should have another chance. Mom, dad and Colin deserved it. They were a family. Maybe even copy the loons. They could work it out. Yes, they would.

"Colin?"

"What?"

"Almost time."

"Okay, grandpa."

They dressed in warm clothes, and put on mosquito repellant. Grandpa placed a finger on his lips as they walked quietly to the edge of Economy Lake. After sitting on the log, Colin leaned against grandpa's shoulder. His head found a comfortable spot. Grandpa's arm circled his precious grandson. Both sat silently not saying a word.

And then, the singing began. A trickle of sound crept across the water, more like fingers playing on a piano. An evening breeze moved quickly to carry the tune. More sounds built up as layers, one upon another.

And the wind puffed its breath over the growing symphony. Then pushed everything towards the man and boy, waiting eagerly. They were not disappointed. A pair of loons called from one to another in playful chords. They seemed to understand they had an audience. Sounds of peace and caring and melodic beauty crisscrossed the lake.

And they were absorbed into a little boy's heart.

Colin’s own song was one of love for his family. Closing his eyes, he made a promise. Like the loons he would bring back a message, of a family working together. Colin placed his arm on grandpa's shoulder.

He squeezed really hard.

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© Richard L. Provencher
Website: www.wsprog.com/rp/