"Who Cooks for You?"

“Who cooks for you? Who cooks for y’all?”

Thanks for the lovely song of guilt, Owl. Yes, I know it’s dinner time. And no, I have not yet thought about what to make. Are you offering? Because if you are, you’re hired. 

We share our tree-lined suburban property with at least two beautiful and vocal barred owls. These enchanting feathered friends have often startled guests as they leave our house in the dark and have been known to play on the trampoline in the backyard during the day. 

When I learned that the barred owl’s signature call sounds as if they’re asking, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” I immediately recognized that lyrical question as the one that drifts through our window many a night. However, our wise owl neighbors are of the southern variety, and as any proper Southerner should, they obviously end their call with “y’all.”

Owls are associated with wisdom, for reasons I’m not entirely sure of. Greek mythology is most likely the origin. But, the fact that these nocturnal creatures possess excellent eye-sight and hearing capabilities, as well as being skilled navigators and hunters in the dark, definitely make them smart animals in my opinion. I mean, I know we parents often say we have eyes in the back of our heads, but owls actually do. Kind of. With a 270-degree view, there are probably very few owlet shenanigans going on behind their backs.

And, just like the rooster’s crow alerts us to the arrival of a new day, the owl’s soulful melodic reminder to plan the weekly menu showcases just how unique the world outside really is. Each creature is designed with purpose and creative detail. 

So, thank you, Owl, for reminding me to daily pray for the wisdom I need to see and hear with clarity - whether it involves navigating through the dark, or just simply what to cook for dinner tonight.

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