In the tranquil embrace of a sun-kissed park, a young girl sat alone on a weathered wooden bench, her heart burdened by an overwhelming sadness. The world around her was oblivious to her anguish, until an unexpected visitor arrived, perching gracefully on the bench beside her. It was a raven, its ebony feathers glistening in the golden light. With a voice both curious and compassionate, it broke the silence, asking,
“Tell me what it is that ails you?”
Thus began a poignant exchange that would forever alter the girl’s perspective on life and healing. Upon hearing the raven’s unexpected inquiry, the girl was momentarily taken aback. She had grown accustomed to her sorrow being a solitary burden, hidden from the prying eyes of the world. Yet, the raven’s penetrating gaze seemed to see beyond her facade, stirring a flicker of hope within her heart. With a voice trembling from the weight of her emotions, she confided in the raven, sharing her tale of loss, heartbreak, and shattered dreams.
As the girl poured out her anguish, she found solace in the raven’s presence. It listened attentively, its eyes reflecting empathy and understanding. The raven, wise and perceptive, spoke words that resonated deeply within the girl’s soul. It shared stories of resilience and transformation, recounting how the darkest of nights can give birth to the brightest of dawns. Through its tales, the raven gently nudged the girl to view her sadness not as an end but as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery. Encouraged by the raven’s words, the girl began to see the park in a new light. The vibrant hues of the flowers, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the symphony of birdsong became a testament to the resilience of life itself. She marveled at how nature, like her own wounded heart, could weather storms and emerge stronger and more beautiful than before.
As the days turned into weeks, the girl’s bond with the raven deepened. It became her steadfast companion, offering guidance and encouragement whenever doubt threatened to overshadow her newfound hope. Together, they explored the park’s hidden treasures, discovering the simple joys that had eluded her during her darkest hours. With each passing day, the girl’s sadness gradually transformed into a quiet strength. She found solace not only within herself but also in the belief that healing was a journey, and scars were a testament to one’s resilience. The raven’s initial question, “Tell me what it is that ails you?” had sparked a profound metamorphosis within her, awakening her spirit and helping her embrace the inherent beauty of life’s ebb and flow. The raven’s wisdom and empathy served as a guiding light, leading her out of the shadows of sadness and into the realm of hope and healing. As the girl rose from the bench, her spirit lifted by the weightlessness of newfound wisdom, she bid farewell to her avian confidant. The raven took flight, disappearing into the vast expanse of the sky, leaving behind a sense of gratitude and a heart brimming with a renewed sense of purpose.
And so, the story of the girl on the park bench and the compassionate raven lived on, whispered among the trees and carried by the wind. It served as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of hope, a chance encounter, or a wise companion that can guide us toward healing and transformation. In the end, the girl’s sadness had not been erased but rather transformed into a source of strength and resilience. And whenever she found herself sitting on that park bench, she would look up at the sky, grateful for the raven’s intervention, and whisper,
“Thank you for helping me find my wings.”
Written by Lazarus Carpenter with Illustration by Gill Brooks
Swift Arrow Books Llyfrau Saeth Gyflym – swiftarrowbooksltd.co.uk
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 