Deadly Intent.
Over his cliff-top territory glides the bird,
Silent he hunts in an easy-wing searching.
Lone rider of wind-swept
lunchtime sky,
the kestrel stays motionless
hovering high
for moments while scanning,
then sharply eyes
every nuance of movement
for sudden cause
to swoop with deadly intent,
extended claws
knifing and tips thrown wide
he gracefully dives
in awesome descent of flight.
This time, as often, he rises with naught.
Not always goes he into dusk full-bellied.
He must keep alerted for
waterless rodents
or surfacing underground
snuffling moles,
all fare for a keen predator
bridging his bets
for needed dinner by more
windy-edged
fighting for better wing-fold
and down-winding
spin of near life and death
speed in frightening
stoop as air buries his head.
I viewed the glory of power retracting.
A kestrel's performance oozes majesty.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: August 7th, 2018 02:24
- Comment from author about the poem: This is a re-post as requested. The quote in the picture is from a poem by G.M. Hopkins. Hope you enjoy.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 23
Offline)
Comments6
the grace of flight is truly wonderful.
Agreed Paul - -- the flight of any large bird seems a glorious miracle - - thanks my friend for your visit and read .
Kestrels are majestic birds, as are all raptors. I have seen many of them in my life including a sea eagle, the biggest eagle in the UK but much to my chagrin I have not see a golden eagle in the wild. I have had one on my wrist at a falconry centre but never seen them where they should be.
Thank you for sharing your own experience with seeing many of the raptors Goldi - -- they are truly majestic in flight.
A fine write Fay.
Glad you enjoyed the read Orchi.
Great work which truly captures the majesty of these birds.
It is unforgettable when up close and viewing the flight of these raptors - they deserve tributes and poems devoted to their great skill - - thank Michael for your welcome visit and comment.
Thanks for reposting. I watched a kestrel swoop the other day. You took me back. They are magnificent but I did feel sad at the little mouse in his/her claws that day 😪
Yes - these raptors are looking for prey around the cliffs near where I often walk Tessa my dog - - and to see them swoop is full of differing emotion as they are on a mission which only their skill will help them succeed - - like you I too cringe when I know a life will be finished at the end of their dive -- mice and voles must be on the alert all the time. Your visit and read and then lovely comment us truly appreciated - - thank you Sylvia.
A beautiful write. Birds are majestic. So was your poem!
Many thanks Kat and pleased you dropped by for a read on the skills of a raptor - - majestic indeed is their swooping dive to secure live food. I expect there are many in your part of the world too.
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