take me anywhere

take me anywhere's book montage

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
The Cinnamon Peeler: Selected Poems
Night
Divisadero
Atonement
Philadelphia, Here I Come! : A Comedy in Three Acts
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
The Lost Salt Gift of Blood
Imagining Argentina
A Year Without "Made in China": One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy
The End of America: A Letter of Warning To A Young Patriot
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Amongst Women
Church of the Dog
Charming Billy
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time
The Birth House
The Poisonwood Bible
Catching Fire
The Hunger Games


take me anywhere's favorite books »

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Colonies


I step out of the stark door under one mid blue night and stand gazing up as they approach. There are two groups of Trumpeteer Swans and a pair nestled in between. The kids and I wear our valentine socks and I see the swans that night. 

Swans fly together in a V formation, working as a team. They take turns leading because it is the most tiring. The flap of the leader's wings generate a vortex, creating a lift for the next bird.  If they traveled in a straight line, each bird would only be able to concentrate on the bird directly in front and if that bird were hurt, the rest would suffer.  The V formation constructs a perfect view of the whole colony so they can persevere.  You know how the lone swan flaps fiercely to catch up and find its place?  Studies have shown that a colony of 25 swans can travel 70 percent farther than a solo bird.

I love the message of the swans. 

2 comments:

annabell bash said...

Amen.

elleskiles said...

got your other message on fb. love u too! amen to LOVEly best friends!