A Tale of Grieving Alone

One day an old rabbit and a hawk were walking alongside a creek. The rabbit was having a bit of trouble getting over some of the rocks, but the hawk just waited, or, sometimes, helped with a push. They were old friends, but rabbit was nearing his end time while hawk was in her prime.

“Hawk” said Rabbit, “I think my time is near. You know that rabbits age faster than hawks don’t you? We were both young when we met, but you will go on years after I am gone. Will you remember me?” “Why of course you silly rabbit. You saved my child, and showed fierce bravery when you did. I will never forget you. And neither will my daughter. Of course she doesn’t remember when you saved her, but she knows the story by heart, and loves you like an uncle. I know, it is very strange to see hawks and rabbits walking together, but friends are where you find them.”

Later that month, rabbit passed quietly in his sleep, and all the rabbits gathered for his funeral. Some of his childhood friends were there as well, including a mink, a snake and even a porcupine. But no birds. Everyone knew of the deep friendship rabbit had with a certain Lady hawk, and they were surprised and sad when she didn’t join the mourners.

But then, as they were lowering rabbit into his grave, they heard a high and mournful keening. And then a second voice joined the first in a moving descant, and the animals froze. Hawks, some thought. Danger. But Rabbit's daughter Sis said “No, that is the hawk and her daughter. They are keening for my father, for they loved him as we. They won’t come down to the grave for fear of frightening you. They are singing him to his rest.”

And so Rabbit was laid to rest, and the Lady and her daughter keened and keened until dark, remembering a good and brave friend. But out of respect for the other family and friends of Rabbit, they kept their distance, grieving alone. For that is always the way with hawks.

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