Pen and ink

Quotes of power inspire me, especially quotes on animals. Can't remember how I came across this quote, but when I did, I knew I had to "paint it on paper". The following passage was illustrated back in 1995 when I was living in Mexico.

The eagle gently coaxed her offspring near the edge of the nest. Her heart quivered with conflicting emotions as she felt their resistance to her persistent nudging. "Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?" she thought. This ageless question was still unanswered for her.  

As in the tradition of her species, her nest was located on the shelf of a sheer rock face. Below there was nothing but air to support the wings of each child. "Is it possible that this time it will not work?" she thought. Despite her fears, the eagle knew it was time. Her parental mission was all but complete. There remained one final task ... the PUSH!  

The eagle drew courage from an innate wisdom. Until her children discovered their wings, there was no purpose for their lives. Until they learned how to soar, they would fail to understand the privilege it was to have been born an eagle. The push was the greatest gift she had to offer. It was her supreme act of love. And so one by one she pushed them ... 

... AND THEY FLEW! 

"Even Eagles Need a Push" (19 May 1995), pen and ink