Jiselle Garowskij's Gallery

[Quidix]

The painting depicts a wren who lost its wings; its damaged feathers and scarring suggest violence was involved. It has now healed. It sits calmly in the palm of an elderly man, who caresses it gently.

The wren sits still with eyes closed. Its beak is raised as it chirps in delight at the soft strokes. The man’s posture is at ease and his eyes are enraptured by the bird.

There are three other animals by the man’s side; a well-cared horse, a green-eyed dog, and a roguish-looking rabbit. The dog looks at the man’s stroking hand with an intense, longing, gaze.

A wooden plaque reads:
“THE WINGLESS WREN, WHO FOUND THE MAN THAT CARED”

“I found you.
You were hurt.
I felt for you.
So I stayed.

I thought as I sat in the man’s palm.

I needed your care.
You needed me.
Something, someone, new.
To love and care for.

I keep my eyes closed. I do not want to see, think, of the others.

I am stronger now.
You nurtured me.
You gave me life again.
I am thankful.

Only scars remain of what was. I barely feel them now.

Please, caress me.
Again, again, and again.
I cannot live without it.
It keeps memories away.

I am not sure what I would do without them. I do not want to think about it.

I cannot fly away.
I do not want to fly away.
I will sit in your palm.
Forevermore.”

[Quidix]

The painting depicts a city port with a tall oak beside the quay. The size and bark speak to the tree’s great age. Atop the highest twig sits a wren, who appears to have lost its wings. It stares straight up to the cloud-filled sky. The talons grip the branch tightly and its gaze appears intense and unwavering. It is unusually thin, as if it has not eaten for days.

The cobbled wharf shows a resplendent promenade; the trees are in full blossom, the flowers have opened themselves to the spring’s warmth, and performers dance gracefully to applause. Many smiling couples stroll leisurely about, and reach out to feed a group of wrens on the ground with delicacies; seeds, peanuts, and fresh berries. The birds pick at the medley of treats with utter delight in their step.

A wooden plaque reads:
“THE WINGLESS WREN, WHO ONLY GAZED UPON THE SKY”

“I have heard the world is big.
But the sky is never-ending.

The sky was my world.
The sky was enough.

I stretched my wings.
I was everywhere.

I bathed in the cerulean blue.
I soaked in the clouds’ white wonder.

One day it came and took my wings. I do not remember it, the details. It is simply blank.

I sit here all day.
I look up.
To what was.
To remember.

I know it cannot be again. I know it. So, there is only the memories.

My memories weaken.
They have lost their colours.
They have lost their sharpness.
But I still feel them.

It is only a trickle of feelings now. It has to be enough. I do wonder what tomorrow brings. Will they fade further?

I regret not flying higher.
I regret not flying further.

While I could.”