Calling the Geese

This is Stephen Parrish's etching, "Calling the Geese." Here, the geese are emblems of nature's call, embodying freedom and the instinctual pull of migration and community. The figure calling them evokes a timeless connection between humanity and the natural world. We see echoes of this relationship in ancient pastoral scenes, where figures like Orpheus charm animals with music. This recalls a longing for a primal harmony, a return to simpler, more connected ways of life. The geese symbolize this very yearning and reflect an almost subconscious desire for freedom and belonging. The act of calling itself harkens back to ancient rituals and invocations. It is a potent symbol of communication and influence over the natural world, tinged with a sense of loss as modern life distances us further from such primal connections. In this seemingly simple scene, Parrish touches upon deep-seated emotions and collective memories, inviting us to contemplate our place within the larger tapestry of life.