Reading From Athene’s Funeral

Reading from Athene’s Funeral

Words from Rose to Harriet English

 

This beautiful message was written by Rose English to her younger sister, Harriet after Athene had died. Rose composed these words from the island in Denmark where she now lives and later she read this piece out at Athene’s funeral service.

‘Good morning darling Harriet – last night, unable to sleep I sat up and looked at the magnificent stars – sharp and bright in the clear night sky ad infinitum. I read through Athene’s past Nature Notes mailings. This morning I woke up to hear the raucous purring trumpeting of the migrating cranes, flying directly over the house – I ran to the window and saw literally skeins and skeins of cranes – their necks stretched out – their great wings spread and their long legs elegantly trailing behind them. A hundred or more of the beautiful birds: awe inspiring – flying sideways into the wind. You were right to remind me to think of Athene and her love of Nature. I took some comfort in the thought that the cranes are mustering around to carry Athene’s great spirit up, up and away and I am thinking of you all with her today.’

Rose English