THE CROW WITNESS

As I got out of the car at the vets to pick up Molls' cremains, I noticed on the largest crows I have ever seen perched atop the bare tree next to the building. He was facing me and I murmured a salutation. He was still there when I returned to the car. 

He is an overseer of the dead and his purpose is one part sentinel and one part witness of Molls' final journey. All dying creatures are assigned an overseer and their form varies from region to region and culture. It is to ensure that all who die do not do so unaccompanied. Even with the recycling from one life to another, this witness honors that particular life which has ended.