Rejoicing the Song of Life

By: Saleh Abdullah Alkhamyasi

Over the years I have formed a habit of watching the birds orchestrating the song of life at the Muttrah Corniche. Watching them in full spirit of extreme joy and happiness is a real soul elevating scene. You see them celebrating the gift of life flying with agility and freedom across the blue sky of Muttrah.

This scene is a daily joy for those who are fortunate to enjoy a walk along the corniche . Their testimony will certainly speak loud to invite you all to spare a few moments to appreciate this magnificently breath taking scene. A scene, which  restores ones happiness and proves beyond doubt that there is more to life than being trapped in our daily routine.

The chirping of the birds attracts the attention of all the visitors of the traditional Souq in Muttrah. As if it is welcoming them to enjoy the serenity of the oasis of peace.

Their joy is elevated to climax of joy and lucidly expressed when flying with speed spreading their wing to the fullest momentum.

They fly in flock as if they are in a racing mood. You see them exhibit their skills with a sense of pride and proficiency and send out their chirping to add a flavor to the fantastic atmosphere around them. Every now and then they take some timeout to rest. They land on the shore and some even land on the wall of the fence that separates the shore from the land. You hear them chirping as if they are singing the song of life. Seeing them gathered in one spot and dancing in circles at the shore is so mesmerizing.

Some choose to sit at the surface of the sea water as if they are meditating and recollecting their thoughts. They are fascinated with the beauty of the place around them. You see them rocking back and forth as if they are in groove just like the boats around them.

Over the years an unmatched affinity developed between them and certain people who admire serving them food. Many of these admirers come to see the birds either early in the morning or in the evening. Their relations became an odyssey that can be narrated over the years between many generations.

You see these people carrying bags of bread to feed the birds.  Each has his own style of feeding. Some of them like to throw at them small pieces of bread while others throw slices. Their presence behind the wall noticed and diligently observed by the bird. Once the bread is thrown at them, you see them follow its direction. Their movement in search of the pieces of bread is fast and focused. They race each other perseveringly to win a piece and fly away to eat it peacefully away from the rest of the competitors. Such a zeal and self motivation makes you wonder what if we the human being embrace such a positive attitude. You do not see them bicker with each other rather their team spirit is vivid and alive.

Sitting in one of the benches that are scattered along the side of the Muttrah corniche with a touch of breeze blowing  at your face is  so sensational. It brings pleasure and delight to your heart and makes you so fascinated with the beauty of nature.

It makes you think how lucky we all are to have such heaven that is sought and visited by tourists from all walks of life. They all arrive to enjoy the mystery of our beloved Oman. You could literally see them stunned with the beauty of the place and the birds salute them by orchestrating the song of life. They cannot help focusing their cameras to take as much photos as they can. You see them chatting with each other with broad smiles and the Qahwa (coffee) vendor Salim serves them a cup of his delicate Omani Qahwa welcoming them with a hospitable touch.

Watching the birds rejoicing the song of life, rejuvenating the atmosphere around them makes my young boy so attracted to them. He points his little fingers at each scene that attracts his attention. When we go back to our house walking on the corniche he narrates his reflections about the birds and cannot help draw the birds to share with his school mates the next time he meets them.

 Life as short as it is ought to be explored, enjoyed and celebrated. We all should watch these beautiful birds flying, dancing, chirping and rejuvenate our spirit with a glimmer of hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let us all be positive, motivated and passionate towards life.