is a sentinel's sight
from within
it's burning bright,
from the wind
driving arrow-like
to the heart
diving fast as light
to embrace
talon tight,
grounding spirals
landing upright
a supportive friend
with a falcon's might.
This was a California Red Tail Hawk, the largest local predatory bird. On the coastline, the Peregrine falcon is it's counterpart. This juvenile hawk tried to fly in the window at my clinic. He spent the following hour sitting outside, stunned by the window glass. He kept a close eye on us, but didn't retreat when we came up to him. He just watched us move behind the glass, baffled. (eventually he flew away)
