Bill Schneider

Bill Schneider served as Etruscan Press Managing Editor from 2014 through 2023 and continues to serve as a consulting editor. His previous experience includes a three-decade long career in the music industry accompanied by extensive travel throughout six continents. Bill’s essays and short stories have appeared in Route 7 Review (May 2017), The Hamline Lit Journal (April 2017) and Middle Gray Magazine (January 2014). He has also been published in the “No Regrets” issue of Silly Tree Anthologies (2014). He received his Bachelor of Science in Journalism Magna Cum Laude from Suffolk University and his MFA in Creative Writing from Wilkes University. Bill lives in Evanston with his Havanese dog, Maximilian.

On January 12, 2024, while gazing out a window of my 16th floor apartment overlooking Lake Michigan – watching snow fall – a black dove landed on the railing of the deck. I was mesmerized by the dove, who remained firmly planted on the railing, watching me watching him.

For nearly 30 minutes, I was surrounded by this amazing bird, who never left his perch – even as I called for my Havanese puppy, Maximilian, to observe our uninvited guest. Max, too, was curious about the intentions of this black dove.

I took photos through my snow-covered window and with each click of my iPhone camera, the dove continued to watch me as I watched him.

On such a cold and dreary day, I watched this bird and felt a sense of courage and hope. Black doves are considered messengers of peace and symbolize love and new beginnings. They represent the idea of death and rebirth, courage in facing tough times, or hope that brighter days are just beyond the horizon.

When they appear, black doves are a sign that something major is about to happen in life – something that will bring about great change. Their dark feathers are symbolic of mourning and darkness, but the bird is often regarded as a reincarnated soul. Frequently used in literature and art to symbolize death and mourning, black doves are a metaphor for new life and are viewed as a sign of optimism and rebirth.

I was inspired by the calmness of our dove, with a firm grip on the deck railing surrounded by frigid air and falling snow.

Was I merely a rest stop along his journey – as doves are known for their ability to fly long distances in a short amount of time – or did he land near my apartment to deliver a message?

Did the dove fly to Evanston on a solitary journey to convey a message from my mother, who died 28 years ago?

Black doves have long been considered a symbol for transformation. In some cultures, it is believed they help direct the soul on its journey to the afterlife. They serve as a reminder that there is always hope for a better tomorrow in situations of upheaval.

I was amazed at the strength, power, and determination of our dove. Watching it watch us allowed me to tap into my inner strength.

The dove helped me realize that endings are a natural part of life, and that even in the darkest times, new beginnings are possible.

And most importantly, the dove connected with me – and my puppy.

Our dove stayed long enough to watch me and Max, long enough for us to notice him, take photos to memorialize his visit, and long enough to appreciate his gentleness and timidity. Once he knew we had received his message, he looked at me, winked, took flight, and headed south.

The encounter with our dove was an unexpected adventure; an opportunity to explore something new. The pursuit of an adventure ends one of two ways: either you are handed a setback, or you witness the sublime.

That half hour on Friday afternoon was a boundary-pushing experience that helped me realize our dove was indeed a sign of good fortune. He was an omen of peace and left me with a sense of strength, power, and determination.

I slept so peacefully that Black Friday night … and if the dove was sent by my mother to check on me, her message was delivered.