Sheilaclapkin's Blog;

“The Furcula (“little fork” in Latin) or wishbone is a forked bone found in birds and some other animals, and is formed by the fusion of the two clavicles. In birds, its primary function is in the strengthening of the thoracic skeleton to withstand the rigors of flight.”

I have a collection of furculae or wishbones and never knew that “the furcula works as a strut between a bird’s shoulders, and articulates to each of the bird’s scapulae. In conjunction with the coracoid and the scapula, it forms a unique structure called the triosseal canal, which houses a strong tendon that connects the supracoracoideus muscles to the humerus. This system is responsible for lifting the wings during the recovery stroke.”

What an important bone. Did I collect so many because I knew the importance of this little bone? No, I collected them as a memory of the bird we used in a celebratory manner. Each chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, pheasant and quail is represented. If we were worldlier in our bird eating, there may be more varied furculae. As it is, everyone notices and asks about the collection. Until now I did not know why I saved them so carefully. Simply stated, my collection of furculae honors and is responsible for the airborne abilities of birds. I honor the bird and the advantage to see the other side of the mountain. I honor the meal gathering the bird offered and the elegance of its form, cooked upon the table.  I honor the sustenance given. I honor my ability and wisdom to save the essence of flight. I honor flight in literature that may represent or signify a metaphor for escape or freedom.  Who as a child has not wanted the ability to fly? As a child, who did not want escape and freedom from whatever was evidently distressing at that moment? I had grand moments with desires to escape, but I never wanted to fly. My escape and freedom was running, climbing and hiding. What were yours?

If I could fly, I would use flight to see what I cannot see in my present spot. To be elevated to a new vista would give me an advantage and perhaps this elevation would give me courage not to flee, but to stay and discover what is available. I assume it would do the same for you.

What do you collect?  Furculae anyone?