Of Noses, and More
The Whale's Prayer
Photo By: Flickr/Indi Samarajiva
For all we know of the world, we know so little. Whales sing, of this we are aware, but more than that is pretty much a mystery. Scientists tell us that the blue whale’s song, projecting waves of sound that touch neither the sea bottom nor the foamy surface, can extend five thousand miles through the ocean. Deep tones, like the beat of a great bass, follow one by one rhythmically, with an interval of two minutes in between. Of course, as we recall, the whale is holding its breath as it sings, for it is no fish. It must return to the surface to breathe after traveling underwater for nearly an hour at a time.
St. Francis of Assisi would have taken great delight in such a miracle of God’s creation. “What marvelous things it says about the Lord, that He created beings such as these!” Francis would say. Their very existence is a hymn of praise.
Nobody knows why the blue whale sings. Perhaps only the Psalmist. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my prayer.” Perhaps the whale’s song is not in search of a mate or in defense of territory.
Perhaps, floating in blue eternity, he sings in order to pray.
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About the Author
I grew up in Yakima, Washington and attended St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph Academy, going on to Gonzaga University as a National Merit Scholar. In my 40's, I went to Washington State University and earned a master's degree in English. I am a wife, mother, grandmother of five and have worked as a teacher and geriatric care manager. I take care of my 89 year old mother, who lives independently in an apartment near our home.
