As the cool days of November arrive, the time will soon be at hand for the flights of wild geese to begin their journey south. I know of nothing any more beautiful than a flight of wild geese passing across the face of the glowing moon. Many of our society of today know nothing of these beautiful fowl or their habits and behavior.
Very few of us ever slip out during the closing days of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest, to witness this beautiful sight that is there in the heavens. Should one observe the behavior of these graceful creatures, one could learn many lessons that could make life much easier on this place we call earth. We could see the importance of pulling together and helping one another in our struggle through life. Life would be much easier for the elderly and those who need assistance in their every day living.
There was a time when country folks gave the late autumn flights of the wild geese a lot of attention. They looked for certain signs as these flocks crossed the moonlit skies of the late evenings and as darkness crept across the heavens. The early settlers learned the importance of working together by watching formations of geese make their way to the south.
By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds about a 71 percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone. As each bird flaps its wing, it creates an uplift for the bird that follows. The lesson we humans can learn is that people who share a common direction and sense of community get where they are going quicker and easier.
When the lead goose grows tired, it rotates back into formation, and another goose takes over. Man should learn that it pays to take turns with hard tasks, because we, like geese, are dependent upon each other.
Should a goose fall out of the formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we humans had as much sense as a goose we would stay in formation.
The geese in the formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. When we humans honk from behind, we need to make sure that our honking is encouraging. Many of us tend to honk at the wrong place and at the wrong time.
In these long flights south, the geese will look after each other. When a goose gets sick or wounded, or perhaps shot by a hunter, two geese drop out of formation to follow him. They will stay with him until he is able to fly again. If he dies, the two that stay, will look for another formation or catch up with the original flock.
If we had as much sense as wild geese, we would stand by each other as they do. We would protect those in need until they could continue their journey through life.
Our society with all its knowledge has much to learn from the animals and birds of the air. In our world of make believe and fairyland, we tend to let pass by much that would be beneficial to us. We believe we are too smart to heed the lessons put here for us.
Man will never survive unless he joins with the environment and lives in harmony with what is here. He must learn to save and protect, regardless how small or primitive each form of life might be. I believe that we humans are at the crossroads. The time is at hand when we must choose the way we are to go if we are to survive.
So, as the full moon of late autumn appears high in the heavens, and the chilly winds of fall season appear, make a vow to seek out a high hill and watch a flock of wild geese pass across the face of the glowing moon. If you have never witnessed this breathtaking spectacle, it will be something that will dwell within your mind for all time to come.
Much has been placed on this earth for man to witness and learn from. During this time, with all the fanfare and false promises and horn blowing, we need to look to the heavens for peace of mind and contentment of the soul. Enjoy all that you can. The beauty is here for us all to see and be a part of.
Before one knows it, the time will come when the beautiful events of nature that were missed will cause a time of sorrow to linger within the mind and soul.
(Singleton, the author of the 1991 book “Of Foxfire and Phantom Soldiers,” passed away at the age of 79 on July 19, 2007. A longtime resident of Monroeville, he was born to Vincent William Singleton and Frances Cornelia Faile Singleton, during a late-night thunderstorm, on Dec. 14, 1927 in Marengo County, graduated from Sweet Water High School in 1946, served as a U.S. Marine paratrooper in the Korean War, worked as a riverboat deckhand, lived for a time among Apache Indians, moved to Monroe County on June 28, 1964 and served as the administrator of the Monroeville National Guard unit from June 28, 1964 to Dec. 14, 1987. He was promoted from the enlisted ranks to warrant officer in May 1972. For years, Singleton’s columns, titled “Monroe County history – Did you know?” and “Somewhere in Time” appeared in The Monroe Journal, and he wrote a lengthy series of articles about Monroe County that appeared in Alabama Life magazine. It’s believed that his first column appeared in the March 25, 1971 edition of The Monroe Journal. He also helped organize the Monroe County Museum and Historical Society and was also a past president of that organization. He is buried in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville. The column above and all of Singleton’s other columns are available to the public through the microfilm records at the Monroe County Public Library in Monroeville. Singleton’s columns are presented here each week for research and scholarship purposes and as part of an effort to keep his work and memory alive.)
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