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In this excerpt from Arash Saedinia's essay for "Romance with the Crow I Killed," a vivid scene unfolds in the garden owned by a man. The garden, a symbol of life and growth, is intruded upon by a crow, a creature that devours its fruits. The man, driven by a desire to protect his garden, entrusts his grandson with a gun, tasking him with the responsibility of eliminating the crow.
The boy, armed with the firearm, confronts the crow perched in a tree and takes a shot, only to wound the bird. The crow, now a harrowing presence on the garden floor, engages in mischievous acts, challenging even the yard dog, a German shepherd. The tension builds as the grandfather, recognizing the need for a decisive end, instructs the boy to shoot the crow in the head.
The moment is poignant as the boy, grappling with his first encounter with death, approaches the crow. The crow, keenly aware of the impending danger, and the boy, feeling the weight of his actions, share a silent exchange. The gun is aimed, and with a single shot, the crow succumbs. This profound experience becomes a lasting imprint on the boy's psyche, marking the beginning of his journey with mortality. The narrative captures the complex interplay between life and death, innocence and responsibility, leaving the boy to carry the weight of this indelible encounter with death for years to come.
Excerpt from Arash Saedinia's essay for "Romance with the Crow I Killed"