What's With The Feather?

 "What's with the feather?" asked the missionaries when they saw this on the table by our front door. The feather has been there for months - and will likely stay there many more months. 

Here's the story - 

When Joe was a junior in high school in 1950-51,  "The Cry of the Wild Goose," sung by Frankie Laine, became wildly popular. The song resonated with Joe and he's loved it ever since - something he didn't share with me until a few years ago. I wondered about his tendency to stash feathers around the house as well as wear one in his hat.  

My heart knows what the wild goose knows

And I must go where the wild goose goes

Wild goose, brother goose, which is best?

A wanderin' foot or a heart at rest?

Tonight I heard the wild goose cry

Wingin' his way through the lonely sky

Tried to sleep, but it warn't no use

'Cause I'm a brother to the old wild goose

.........

Spring is comin' and the ice will break

And I can't linger for a woman's sake

She'll see a shadow pass overhead

She'll find a feather beside my bed

Joe - junior year

Fort Wayne North Side High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Click here for all the lyrics

If you didn't click it above, click here to hear Frankie Laine sing about the wild goose