I am feeling a bit melancholy today and there are many things swirling in my head that I could talk about but the title of this piece fits the bill for me today. Council of Silence. There are places I don’t want to venture today, especially in a public forum such as this, so I will keep this short.
I’m thinking today, as I have for the past few days, of a friend who passed away unexpectedly this past week, a person too young and talented to go so soon. I would be stretching the truth to say we were close friends but I can honestly say that I had a genuine fondness and regard for this person. Our conversations, though less frequent than I think both of us would have hoped, were always easy and in rhythm, as though part of one long conversation that stretched over the years. A conversation that has ended this week, leaving me and many other friends alone, like the black birds in the tree above, to contemplate a number of things, such as a life ended much too soon and what lays beyond that far horizon for all of us.
I wish you a peaceful journey to that horizon , my friend. You will be remembered well.
Redtree Times 
A poignant post, and a touching image. All of us know those conversations, and when they end the silence can be extraordinarily painful.
In the midst of that silence, your painting speaks, beautifully.
My sympathy and whatever small condolence these words can offer, Gary.