Boy, Rowling sure plunges right into the unpleasantness in Deathly Hallows, doesn't she? The killing of the Muggle Studies teacher is horrifying, though Harry doesn't know the professor or see it happen. In this book, the terror and tragedy really begin for him with the death of Hedwig, one of his first and strongest connections to the Wizarding world. This scene definitely had a strong impact on me, and as I read it while still at my aunt's house, I then had the weekend to mull it over in my mind. Here's the resulting poem.
Hedwig's Descent
Hedwig, I am horrified
By your primal screech;
As I dodge the deadly jets,
You are out of reach.
Burdened with unvoiced regrets
Piercing like a knife,
I can see you by my side,
Limp and lacking life.
Now I need to let you go;
What else can I do
With the Dark Lord in pursuit?
Still, I cling to you.
How I'll miss your gentle hoot,
Soothing and serene,
And your down as white as snow,
Rodent-munching queen!
You delivered vital things
Over six long years.
Now my vision's blurrier,
Wavery with tears.
Faithful feathered courier,
Swiftest in the sky,
Bear my love upon your wings.
Thank you, and goodbye.
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2 comments:
Erin, a very nice and fitting tribute to Hedwig. I was very sad about her passing and actually struggle to understand why JKR included it, although it is a bit difficult to think how Harry might have transported her safely. And certainly she could not have journeyed with him during much of this book. I would have loved for her to be there at the end though.
One ironic (and kind of odd!) note. I get email alerts from a wildlife group that works for legislation to save endangered species, etc. On the day before the release of Deathly Hallows, they actually sent out an email trying to collect money to help support efforts for snowy owls -- and they used Hedwig in their mailing! It was along the lines of "If you'd like to help keep alive lots of snowy owls just like Harry Potter's..." I'm sure they had NO clue that Rowling was about to have Harry's beloved bird die!
Ah, that is ironic... It really was shattering to see Hedwig die like that. One wonders whether he couldn't have just let her out of her cage and had her catch up with him... I guess not having Hedwig around just increases the sense of isolation Harry, Ron and Hermione feel. Seems like it would've been prudent to leave her somewhere else, except she's so recognizable she'd probably pose a threat to whoever housed her... Anyway, a very sad moment.
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