Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Rehearsal


The Rehearsal


The old clock by the fireplace ticked a late message, clearly conveyed with each hour that past. The sweet sound of its chimes wound down the long hallway to the bedroom where I sat in bed, snuggled down in soft pillows, reading. Once again, I’d stayed awake much too long. Once again, while the rest of my family slept, I was lost in the pages of a book, this time following behind a mysterious heroine as she roamed the dusty stacks of the Bodleian library. I shadowed her down the honeyed cobblestones of Oxford and into the wilds of Scotland and by the time I finally turned out the light, sleep was the last thing I now had on my mind. I closed my eyes but knew it was futile. Not wishing to wake The Songwriter with my tossing and turning, I scooped up my pillow and headed for the far part of the house to the little sleeping chamber under the owl-filled trees to read just a little bit more.

Having sneaked away so quietly, I did not expect to be followed, but I had not counted on Edward. Not two minutes passed by before I heard him come into the room. Peering up over my book I could see him, staring, fur mussy from sleep, sitting like a polar statue in the dark at the foot of my bed. I knew what that stare meant. And he was right, of course. I should go to sleep. Morning would be awful if I didn’t. Closing my book with a sigh, I patted the side of the bed and Edward sprang up in an instant - turning once, settling in, his big furry head resting on my tummy. We closed our eyes to sleep. And that’s when the rehearsal began.

It was true the night choir out in the back garden was lacking some members this early in Spring. Some musicians were late in returning from their long winter break to places unknown. I noticed the sopranos were just a bit thin and supposed the cicadas had yet to arrive. And the rhythm section sounded slightly weak as not all of the crickets were back. But the tree frogs and nightingales filled in the gaps with a gusto worthy of August. And the Great Horned Owls harmonized up above me in a duet that was fit for the angels. Together they sang a wild lullaby in round sonorous notes, just for those like myself who’d stayed awake much too long.

The music they made meant my book was forgotten.

My eyes were now heavy, I was ready to dream.

And Edward, as usual, was right.

I needed to go off to sleep.

36 comments:

  1. Lovely post Pamela. There are still some members of the orchestra missing here too but it's still a pretty impressive porformance.

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  2. Beautiful.
    We have no cicadas or nightingales, but we have a pond full of small tree frogs that sing me sleep, starting sometime in April. For a month or so they will be in full chorus, and afterwards they will be few, but melodious. If I call to them they will take up their song. It's the best way to fall asleep by the ponds.

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  3. Until I read the name "Edward," I thought you were reminiscing about your childhood. I suppose that wouldn't be too far from accurate, would it?

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  4. Oh how I know that whole scenario! Beautifully expressed!

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  5. Edward knows about the importance of routine . It's a PON thing .

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  6. I have a feeling we're reading the same book right now - about a witch named Diana. Loved this post Pamela.

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  7. I love your blog! <3 What book is that?

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  8. Oh, what book, what book?? It sounds wonderful!!! I am glad Edward coaxed you to sleep, with help of Nature's chorus!

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  9. with your words pamela i was besides you listening to that rehearsal. thank you for such simple joy
    debra

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  10. We have owls too Pamela but sadly I am quite deaf and can never hear them once my aid is out of my ear and my head is on the pillow. In order to hear the dawn chorus I would have to put my aid in and go out into the fresh air. Your exquisite writing has persuaded me that one morning I might just do that.

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  11. This is such a wonderful time of year isn't it Pamela ? We put our clocks forward last Sunday and the dawn chorus is tuning up nicely.
    ....and, how lovely to have Edward to coax you back to sleep.
    On Sunday evening the new Julian Fellows drama 'Titanic' started here. It is very much like his Downton Abbey only on the ill-fated ship. I'm not sure if it started with you on Sunday, but I know that you will get it soon. It only has four parts but, if part one was anything to go by it's brilliant. You will love it I know. Different classes, relationships and icebergs !! XXXX

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  12. Way after midnight some nights ago, a mockingbird was chirping through his repertoire in the woods near the house. I can't imagine why so late at night, and with all the owls and hawks nearby.

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  13. Can you send them my way Pamela? I could use some of that. Knowing what a night owl you are...and appreciating even more the wisdom that is Edward...
    Jeanne xx

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  14. Can you send them my way Pamela? I could use some of that. Knowing what a night owl you are...and appreciating even more the wisdom that is Edward...
    Jeanne xx

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  15. Lovely post!! I, too, would love the name of that book. Sounds like a very good read.

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  16. What book? Do tell. I often stay up late reading, but it's pretty quiet until morning, though I occasionally hear the barred owls and a distant train whistle. Too early for the cicadas and katydids. Had the bedroom windows open a crack until last night when it got chilly again. I don't care if there is a lot of pollen, the fresh cool breeze is wonderful.

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  17. Your posts have such a calming effect. I can hear the rehearsal and feel sweet Edward resting on me when you describe these things. Thank you so much.
    Karen

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  18. No night birds here, - only the Dawn Chorus and the sound of rain against the windows that greets me when I rise.

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  19. Pamela:

    Your expressions of life, what you hear and what you so beautifully respond to is pure joy. I love reading your posts. Amazing! Joined your blog tonight! m.a. ox

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  20. Hi Pamela, what an adorable dog. I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  21. Reading till the birds wake up. In my corner of the world it means two things: the night is soft enough to open the window and I have been spellbound by a book--both of them bliss.

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  22. beautiful post, Pamela. I never listen to Olin and Izzy when they say "enough". Maybe I should.

    Sadly, we have returned to Winter here in Vermont :(
    Did I miss the credit for that adorable illustration with this post? I love it!

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  23. This is a great posting I have read. I like your article.,
    busana muslim

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  24. What a lovely evening! On your recommendation, I just ordered The Snow Child from my independent bookstore. It seemed the right thing to do on a snowy morning. We aren't quite in spring yet. I adore the Bod library, Oxford and Scotland. What book are you reading now?

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  25. Pamela, like you when I am into a book that is mesmerizing I do not want to put it down...even to sleep.

    When I was a little girl I remember the song of the cicada so vividly.

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    The 2012 Artist Series

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  26. I can't decide which is better, snuggling up with one's faithful dog and a good book or listening to the garden chorus! Beautiful post as always, Pamela!

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  27. Oh Pamela,
    I think this is one of my favourite posts. You weave such a beautiful tapestry of images, sights, sounds and comfort.
    Pure bliss - thank you!
    Di
    X

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  28. How wonderful, reading your post has made me feel quite relaxed now.

    Have to admit that I too am curious to know which book you are reading? Even from the small description you gave it sounds like one I'd enjoy.

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  29. What a comforting scene you have described. A lovely lullaby from nature to put you to sleep! Thanks for giving us this perfect little image to carry into our day!

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  30. Hello Pamela,

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful night, first the hints of what sounds to be a wondeful book, and then for jogging my memories to the sounds of my nightly lullaby from my time in Florid? I loved the sounds of the frogs, and owls.

    I love visiting here, happy weekend, Elizabeth

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  31. wonderful entry, reminds me of my own days when i was young and playing somewhere in my province. nice post

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  32. What a wonderful blog I happened upon this morning. Oh to read such a well-written, almost lyrical page. I read and read and read. Thank you for sharing Edward and your world with us. Theresa

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  33. Lovely post..and like you I stay awake to long..and wander through the Hilltop Hall at night..There is bed in a little nook...in the top of the house..where I sometimes sleep. Well...where I read...or listen to the birds sitting on the rooftop and high Hilltop trees...there I;m so happy..just me..and the sounds from the little feathered treasures..Next day...I;m sleepwalking..not fit for anything...hahaa

    Hugs from the Hilltop xoxo

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!