Someone asked me the other day if I could explain what I mean when I talk about the mysticism of animals. I mean this: if you listen to animals, if you do not only see them as piteous and dependent and abused, if you do not put your thoughts and feelings into their heads, if you wait for them to speak to you and open your hearts and mind to the wonder of them, then you can experience the mystical power of animals like Rocky.

Rocky is a spirit animal, a magical helper. He is blind yet he sees everything, feels everything, is the prince of his own world. Red might be another such animal. For 15 years Rocky walked his pasture alone, losing his sight, and when his beloved human took ill and died, he summoned another to be with him, buy his farm, care for him, share his life. So many people took pity on Rocky and wanted to help him, yet he is the strongest and most capable animal I have ever known, and he cares for himself. Without sight, he has dignity and presence. Totally blind, he navigates the paths behind his barn to find a cool stream. He moves about his pasture with confidence and care.

He inhabits another space, comes from another world. He has messages to bear. The first was come to this place, come to this farm. That message led to our moving there. It cannot be an accident that I suddenly saw this place I drove by every day for years, and that Florence left the farm soon after. I was called to the farm, so was Maria, much as I was called to Bedlam Farm. Animals brought me there also, that time a dog and an old donkey.

When he looks at me, I know he sees me, sees into me. He is neither a pet nor a beast of burden nor livestock but something more. I took some special photos of him at the farm today with Maria and Red and I am putting a photo album up on Facebook.