The Procession of The Mammals

The fog had just burned off but a thin level of mist still lingered near the highest point of the redwood trees. The burrows and dens that surrounded the meadow were still occupied by sleeping kits, the parents wetting and grooming their fur, awaiting the somber day. Steven’s widow was unable to sleep; she lay in her straw and pine needle bed for hours, tossing and turning, sleeping for what seemed like hours, only to realize it was mere minutes. Near dawn she would finally give up, briefly leaving the burrow to talk to Steven. She would end each whispered conversation with the mantra “I wish you were here”, at which point her eyes would be painted with tears and her soul overcome with grief. Dixie hoped that after today, he insomnia would be laid to rest along with Steven’s mangled body.
She hopped back into the burrow, her eyes unable to produce any more tears; Dixie went to wake the kits. As she nuzzled the side of they’re cheeks wishing to possess the naivety that her kits had. She ushered her kits to the shallow pond where they brushed their teeth and combed their fur. As Dixie watched her fatherless children prepare for Steven’s funeral, she thought someday, when they have kits and burrows of their own, they will know why my eyes lack the twinkle that it normally possess, they will understand the weight that is upon my heart. Until then I pray they continue to live in bliss unmarred by cynicism or sorrow.
Finally cleaned and prepared Dixie and her kits made their journey to St. Redwood Cathedral.
Dixie hopped along in silence, wrapped up in her thoughts and unable to answer her kits occasional questions. The young family bounced through plains, crossed over streams and finally reached the forest where the service would soon take place. Dixie led her tired kits towards the front of the cathedral.
“Rest dears,” she said “shut your little eyes and I will wake you when things are goin’ start.” The reverend a homely and stoic Badger weary from the previous days and funerals; looked upon Dixie with eyes that said he knew her struggle, pain, and sorrow. He spoke slowly with a low husky growl “Dixie, my condolences to you and the kits.”
“Thank you.”
“All the preparations have been taken care of, please go and rest I will wake you shortly.” The Badger walked toward the altar, brushing away pine needles as he walked. Dixie stared at him and when the Badger looked back, he attempted to smile; but neither Dixie nor the reverend knew it was genuine. Dixie attempted to rest, close her eyes and think of other things; but every image in her head was chased away by the vision of Steven’s tattered body. Her daze was broken by the Badgers low gruff.
“Dixie, Steven has arrived.” In front of the cathedral laid a small cedar coffin, surrounded by white daisies. Partially open, Dixie knew of the horror that rests within, but she longed to have one last view of him. Escorted by the Badger, she walked forward and stopped before the casket. Two vultures perched on the cross at the back of the altar, looking down with humble admiration at their work. Dixie placed her front paws on the lip of the coffin and slowly raised her head to view her deceased husband. With ears hung low, she saw the love of her life lying peacefully beneath a bouquet of purple and white lilacs. His fur was perfectly pressed and groomed, and there were no signs of injury.
“He looks wonderful” she said softly “thank you.” The vultures flew away, not ones for sentiment and who always made it a point not to stay at the funerals. Dixie stared at the coffin, unable to look away and longing to soak in every image should could of Steven. Slightly muffled by the flowers, she could still smell his unique scent, and as she stood there starring, Dixie hoped that Steven would speak to her one last time.
She had so many questions for him.
The Badger softly nudged her; breaking the trance “guests will be arriving soon” he said calmly “you should go wake the kits.” Dixie nodded and hopped down from the casket and moved toward the back.
Slowly the kits awoke from their slumber, with tired eyes and heavy heads. Shortly after the rabbit family stood at the back of the cathedral greeting the guests as they arrived. Friends and loved ones entered the cathedral, offering their condolences to Dixie and her family. All Dixie could say in those moments was “thank you”, as dozens of animals expressed their sorrows. Once Dixie and the kits sat in the front of the cathedral the Badger began the service.
The reverend spoke of sorrow and speculated about the life beyond. He gave comfort as he spoke of Steven’s soul finding peace and he encouraged Dixie to love life as fully as Steven had, “to do so in his memory”. The Badger stepped down and made way for friends and family. There was much laughter and tears as memories and moments were shared. It was completely evident that Steven was a superior creature, one who enjoyed life and love. It was also clear that Steven had depth and many guests mentioned how Steven often spoke of the finer things above.
After the last animal spoke, the choir director silently flew to the front and perched on a stump behind the coffin. As the Owl began to sing, the choir of songbirds flew to the front to join him. Together they sang the old hymn “Woodland Creatures” and soon all guests were overwhelmed by the song of the birds. As the last note was sung, silence fell on the forest. The mighty bull Elk gracefully walked down the isle and bowed at the foot of the cross. As his head hung low, a fox placed a wreath around the Elks massive neck. Dixie and her kits then walked forward and attached a rope to a thick branch within the wreath. With the Badgers blessing, the Elk walked forward and pulled the coffin down the isle and towards the meadow.
One by one the animals filed out of the cathedral, singing ancient hymns of peace and love as they traveled. They reached the meadow just before sunset. Beneath the majestic jagged mountains all was calm in the meadow. Together all the animals surrounded the small shallow grave, placing flowers where Steven would soon be laid to rest. As the last few minutes of daylight remained, Dixie hugged the coffin as the Elk pushed it into the grave. When the sun left the meadow and hid behind the purple mountains, the grave was filled and the wreath worn by the Elk was placed on the fresh dirt. With daylight gone, Dixie and her family began to sing the chorus of Steven’s favorite hymn. As dusk gave way to night, all that could be heard in the meadow was hundred of voices singing:
“woodland creatures
come together
lift your voices.
Allelu.”