I think I've always wanted there to be magic in the world. I'm sure as a child I would have dreamed there was something that could be called upon to change my life. If I could only discover it or find the right clue that would lead me to the place where it existed, then everything would be perfect.
The type of magic I was looking for and the type of magic that exists in the world have very little to do with each other. It wasn't until I was much older that I faced up to the fact that there are no magic wands we can wave to whisk us away when we wish.
Bad things happen to children, adults have to deal with their problems, and each of us is forced to bear the burden of our responsibilities. The avoidance techniques we do have are far less wholesome than broomsticks and only delay the inevitable. In spite of these reality checks I've managed to keep a tenacious hold on my belief in magic.
Maybe it was because I worked in theatre for a period of time, and in some ways we created magic each time we gave a performance. There's always been something about the theatre that is somewhat magical, perhaps because of it's previous association with traveling shows during the renaissance, or it's even earlier associations with the god Dionysus. What else would you call it when a person becomes someone else before your very eyes, if not magic?
No matter the reasons, I am as certain of magic's existence as I am of being dependent on oxygen for survival. Does that make you uncomfortable to hear a supposedly rational man admit that he believes in magic? Well I can't say that I blame you; I have a fairly good idea how ridiculous that sounds. Like some new age psychobabble, I 'm sure I sound like I’m leading up to some stupid talk about guardian angels or something equally nauseating.
Fear not, it's nothing to do with guardian angels. Whether you consider it new age psychobabble is another thing I guess, but that is something we'll all have to live with. Those of you who wince with embarrassment when you read this, will consider yourselves the most martyred I'm sure, but I think I've given fair warning and you've had plenty of time to turn aside so you've only yourself to blame.
I don't think anyone really needs to worry that much because the magic I'm going to talk about is readily available to anyone with eyes and ears, willing to use those senses, and keep their mouth shut for a short period of time. In other words, using your powers of observation, not just making observations.
![Magic of Baby Animals [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5130HY1AMWL._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - Elvira Black
Richard, what a great piece. I've noticed some of these phenom even in the most urban of urban areas. Seems like these hardy birds share the tough survivalist spirit of their fellow New Yorkers.
Observing BG's cat is always magical to me. She is naturally attuned to things that humans block out, and vice versa. She doesn't care what kind of music we listen to or what TV program is on. In her alternate universe, her sharp eyes and ears pick up on things that we are woefully oblivious to.
The sound of pigeons on the windowsill outside vexes her every time. Sounds out in the hallway, no matter how minor, intrigue her no end. Sometimes she will just sit and howl for a few minutes--sounding for all the world as if she is in heat, though she was "fixed" long ago. I wonder then what spell of existential angst might be plaguing her, but that will always remain a mystery to me.
Happy holidays, Richard!
2 - SHARK
Nice piece, Richard. Really nice.
Speaking of birds, I'd like to add a few sounds to the list of magic:
- the sound of two Mourning Dove lovers speaking across an expanse of woods
- the incredibly complex fifteen minute song of a Mockingbird in late spring/early summer (the only time they perform it, btw!)
- the sound of Great Horned Owl in the middle of the night