Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

I take a deep breath and tell Josefina that I’m okay to keep going. My basket isn’t even half full. Josefina looks concerned for a moment, but then I start picking rabbit-brush blossoms again. Josefina joins me and we work together quietly, filling our baskets. Nothing can faze me now.

Soon, our baskets are brimming. Josefina picks the last cluster of blossoms and straightens. This should be plenty for Teresita. She squints into the distance and says that we’re near the piñón grove. She asks if I’d like to go gather piñón nuts. We can see if they are ripe. Papá will be surprised and pleased if we came home with some early.

I love pine nuts. Pasta with pesto made from pine nuts and basil is one of my favorite foods. If pine nuts grow on trees around here, we can have lots of fresh pesto. I suggest we go to check. but just as I say that, I hear a familiar song nearby. It’s the song of the mockingbird.

My heart almost stops. It’s the same song that brought me to Josefina’s world. Josefina sees my wide eyes and thinks I’m afraid. She reminds me that it’s only a bird. I nod, letting out a breath. Without thinking, I take the flute for my pouch and hold it tightly.

I spot the bird sitting on a spray of sagebrush, it’s plump gray breast swelling as it sings out again. I sneak a little bit closer to the bird. As I step nearer, the bird hops around on its branch. For an instant, its liquid black eye looks right at me. Then, it spreads its wings and flies farther off. I want to hear the song again. The clay flute feels warm in my hand. Maybe I could play it along with the mockingbird. But then I remember Josefina. She said she’s excited about finding the piñón nuts. I don’t want to disappoint my friend.