Many years ago

I was driving to the river

In North Wales

For an early morning fly fishing session

It was still dark

There was no traffic around

I saw something flash in front of me

Then I heard a thump

I pulled over and walked back

I found an owl in the roadway

He was still breathing but not moving

I picked him up carefully

Placed him inside my Barbour Jacket

Continued my drive to the river

It was almost dawn when I parked the car

I took my fishing gear to the water

Reached inside my jacket

Brought out the owl

He was awake and looking at me 

His big eyes stared at me

He had regained some strength

Enough to perch on my hand

He did not seem afraid or in distress

His head kept turning as he looked around

After a while his wings stretched out

I held him out at arms length

He looked into my eyes one last time

Flapped his wings and took off

He flew straight down the river

Before turning into the woods

The fishing that day was not memorable

But I will always remember 

My time with the owl