we are gathered here today to celebrate the life of effie, heavy and strong, who singlehandedly chased off the cooper’s hawk of 2013, who survived the fox attack of 2014, and spent a brave night roosting outdoors during the great storm of 2015. who served admirably as the big sister to glimmer, prim, clove, rue, and katniss, who did not take no shit from no one, and who knew just how to puff her chest, and fiercely flare her neck feathers when it was time to demonstrate to the dog just where his place was in the general pecking order. may she rest in peace under the cedar tree by the wood pile, and may she be called on to use her bravery and strength to protect the innocent, if there exists anything like a predator or a bully in heaven. amen.

unfurling fiddlehead fern fronds

saint paul, minnesota