The Falconer's Quest

She has the eyes of a falcon
Facial features a bird of prey
Sharp pointed beak accentuates
Intent intense within her gaze
Hair dark as a midnight raven
Object of hunt not malicious
Tucked wing in a dive, left me feeling
Vulnerable and delicious

She dines so victoriously
Eats her fill, discards the rest
Heads on mantles prove worthiness
Trophies display might and prowess
For some, it's just the sport of it
The conquest it is brings the thrill
To be the master or mistress
The hunt, the chase, never the kill

There are parakeets in cages
Canaries in coal mines
Murders of crows in fields
Vultures on power lines
And all this background noise
Is the chattering of magpies
If I had a vulture's patience
I would look into your eyes

It's not as easy as it was to see
Till this morning when I heard that song
Visions become dark reality
I hadn't cried in so very long
When I saw what it has done to you
The aging predatory bird
Beak turned skyward so you won't choke
On the stench of your own words

There are parakeets in cages
Canaries in coal mines
Murders of crows in the fields
Vultures on power lines
And all this background noise
Is magpies practicing their zen
If I had a vulture's patience
I'd come visit you again

 © John Kennan 8-9-20