The lonely Raven sits solemnly on the cool evening grass. She lifts her gaze upward to marvel at the awe and wonderment of the dusky August sky. As the grey clouds glide silently by, a flicker of light appears above the horizon amidst the afterglow. “‘Tis the planet Venus!” the she-Raven thinks. “Perhaps I may have a closer look.” She spreads her ebony wings and takes to the air. Upwards she soars. Higher and higher. Passing land, trees, clouds. Giving up her terrestrial home in favour of the heavens. She’s come this far, her heart filled with ecstasy. But soon her wings grow tired. Her little body can no longer sustain this voyage. And she falls. Slowly at first, but faster as she plummets. The fall is graceful and serene. She knows she has been foolish, she knows she’s about to die. She hits hard upon the earth, and soon it is all over. Her final thought echos through her mind, “Maybe Venus is best viewed from the ground.” And she departs once more to join the stars. (originally written 21 August, 2005)