'The Crane Wife' by CJ Hauser

Recommended by Treemiele

The first time I encountered this story was in fall of 2019 when I was about six months out of a situation where I plucked every feather, made myself as small as possible, and still could not seem to force my essence to disappear. So, I had to leave the life I built.

I taught high school English then, and I wept hot tears in my classroom as I read it. So sad, and finally so seen.

Earlier today, I rearranged the gifted and found feathers on one of my altars. Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Peacock, Golden Eagle. They are sacred to me. They are symbols to me of the magic and wisdom that I carry with me. The feathers I will not pluck. Courage, beauty, and the mystery of the unknown.

Thank you, @katezellmer, the gift of this particular story at this moment in the cosmos (Venus Retrograde, for those who celebrate) is ineffable.

Discernment

History

Kate4d ago

How do you become a person who settles for less? How do you become someone who has built an otherwise unacceptable life? And more importantly, how do you find your way back? Hauser sticks the landing so well. Brilliant, oft recommended for a REASON.

3 days ago

Comments

Kate

@katezellmerOct 18, 2026

Ah!!! I love when art has the ability to connect us all - thank you for sharing :)

Treemiele

@treemieleOct 18, 2026

This!

Across Rec League

The Crane Wife

Kate

“How do you become a person who settles for less? How do you become someone who has built an otherwise unacceptable life? And more importantly, how do you find your way back? Hauser sticks the landing so well. Brilliant, oft recommended for a REASON.”

526

niti

“"What I understood on the other side of my decision, on the gulf, was that there was no such thing as ruining yourself. There are ways to be wounded and ways to survive those wounds, but no one can survive denying their own needs." oof.”