Due to the heavy snow of winter and recent rains, the water level of the reflecting pond was very high, flooding the dense vegetation which surrounded it. The stone monument marking the ylf was now only a few feet from the waters edge, but the single leaf of the plant was still visible and appeared to be healthy. Atnas directed the men to take off their caps and holding his arms outstretched over the plant, recited the verse written in its honor so many years before.
Oh great one, you gave to our woods the ylf,
and your kindness for this we hold in high regard.
Let us never allow its place to be forsaken
and we shall protect this one from being taken.
We thank you for this beautiful gift
The roots of which bring joy and health!
Each of the men then bowed over the plant, and when all had passed before it, Atnas took his staff and struck the ground three times, as was the ritual to encourage good growth, symbolizing sunlight, soil and water.
The men replaced their caps and readied themselves to head back, and it was then that they heard the call of the trupia,* the blackbird with red shoulders who brings the spring and good luck, and is the symbol of a life well lived. This first solitary male sung from high above in the great oak tree which shadowed the pond. The men were heartened by the call, for they knew many others would soon follow, and the valley would be soon filled with their chorus and the warmth of the spring sun would be upon them.
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*Obviously, this Nubbin term describes the Red-winged Blackbird so familiar to us. Of interest, it is similar to the term "troupials," given by some to flocking blackbirds of the new world. Troupial is derived from the French term troupe, meaning flock.
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