it was only
a split second--
his eyes, blackest of nights,
unexpectedly piercing as spring's afternoon heat-
& my eyes, frailed by days
of hobbling from sprained right ankle, waiting-
locked across the
space, empty of cars--
he glowered, fallen warrior on the ground,
flexing skin, silky sable against the hard cement -
& i, in the car, massaging my leg, wondering
when I can walk without a limp-
then in a
flash--
he took off, an arrow surging after his prey,
undeterred, a ferocious hunter once again --
i gaze at the eagle, his wingspan carving the sky, bluer
than before, & lifted by his flight, i start the car into the road--
Posted for OpenLinkNight - D'verse Poets Pub - hosted by Brian Miller
"Everyday in every way I’m getting better and better" - Emile Coue
wow...what an image...to see an eagle up close like that...there is a show on discovery right now called north america...and thre were eagles on it this week and watching them go after the salmon...seriously majestic birds....nice contrast between the two...and i hope that leg continues to heal up...
ReplyDeleteThank you Brian ~ It was so unexpected and happened so fast ~ I wish I captured it with my camera ~
DeleteI love this, Grace. It wasn't until the end of the poem that I knew it was an eagle. (And I am glad that it was rather than a predator of human species.) Love 'his wingspan carving the sky.'
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary ~ The eagle was a sight to behold ~
DeleteNever guessed the eagle either at my sea, until you shown it to me. Must have been a sight, to watch it take flight
ReplyDeleteOdd how we praise and pontificate for the winged predators that are eagles, hawks, & such, yet are scornful of the scavengers that clean up the corpses and putrid meat left over; just a human trait, a poetic tendency. This piece was both majestic, & unexpected; thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletea mesmerising poetic gem Grace, i love that you reveal it was an eagle only in concluding lines. gorgeous work.
ReplyDeleteYou caught this so well with your words. Truly a gift.
ReplyDeleteYou've painted a lovely picture here, one I can see vividly. Eagles are one of my favorite animals to see in the wild. So majestic.
ReplyDeleteReally cool! I can picture the eagle in flight...
ReplyDeleteExcellent write. I, too, like the eagle ending.
ReplyDeletequite a moment, so often they are sprung on us just when we need them
ReplyDeleteWhat a great moment Grace--beautifully penned
ReplyDeleteThis read like a great story.. and you kept the secret brilliantly to the end. I like when poetry tells stories (and stories shall have twists) :-)
ReplyDeleteThis ended much better than I first thought--I thought you had a stalker! It's a good thing eagles aren't any bigger than they are, since he might have sensed you were a wounded creature and moved in for the kill. Wonderful look at this rare split-second!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great moment...I hope you feel better, Grace.
ReplyDeletethis was amazing and special moment Grace.but hope you feel better soon!
DeleteA moment captured beautifully. I love the juxtaposition b/t the freedom of flying, and your sprained ankle. Hope it gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, what an enthralling experience! You had me right with you all the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you, it was quite a sight ~
DeleteWhat an experience! The sighting for you, and the poem for all of us!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda ~
Delete..ha, wonderful glimpses Grace... glad you can work back again... and that your leg is ok now... smiles... have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelvin ~ I am back at the saddle, ha ~
DeleteReminded me, yesterday a gull landed in the lane with a sizable fish agullet, plopped down to eat, not caring that cars were heading his (her?) way. Fortunately all oncoming traffic paused and swerved until with beady eyes he slowly rose to safety. You draw the foil with aplomb, Grace.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a sight ~ Sometimes we have geese walking in the middle of the busy street from a nearby park ~ So all the cars have to stop too ~ Thanks Michael ~
DeleteLOVED it! Great job... :)
ReplyDeleteThank you ~
DeleteNice that you let us live this moment with you. I think an eagle must have such wisdom and mystery in its eyes. Sorry you have a sprained ankle. I sprained my right ankle once. I know the discomfort. Hope it heals quickly.
ReplyDeleteThank you Myrna ~ I hated being in pain especially as its my driving foot as well ~ Now, I am feeling better, smiles ~
DeleteWow - great narrative - great details too.
ReplyDeleteEagles do carve the sky. :) I loved the image and the detailed story. Sometimes it takes pain to stop and see what we have missed.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome scene! Must've been exhilarating seeing this. Wonderful poem! -Mike
ReplyDeleteLove discovering that you were actually watching an eagle! Amazingly beautiful birds they are--strong, swift, determined. Nicely woven tale.
ReplyDeleteAwesome description of the eagle and I like how he motivated you to get going, despite the injury.
ReplyDeleteHow did your car get up to the eagles aerie?
ReplyDeleteGrace,
ReplyDeleteYou're very lucky to have witnessed that. What a great symbol--inspiring those of us who are earth-bound to soar in our own small ways.
his eyes, blackest of nights.... so sensual, my dear!
ReplyDeleteIt is so mesmerizing and totally in awe to see a regal eagle taking flight up close! Your poem has that effect of quiet excitement! Nicely Grace!
ReplyDeleteHank
What a wonderful shared moment. Eagles truly are amazing to behold.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing...I'm with Mary...I didn't know until the end that it was an eagle :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful sighting you had that day. They are a wonder to behold. Thanks for sharing such great story of the eagle. Hope you heal soon :-)
ReplyDeleteThe eagle is a strong symbolic animal..when I see one I keep my eyes wide open take in the peripheral view as they always have a message.
ReplyDeleteGreat capture of the moment, Grace. I like the opposing forces you used here, you being addled with your ankle and the eagle capable of flight. It makes for an interesting poem.
ReplyDeletePamela
Oh dear, I hope the ankle heals quickly.
DeleteThis is brilliant, Grace. I didn't spot the ending at all ... smiles.
ReplyDeleteYou have written a cool contrast of perspectives. One free to fly, to soar; the other hobbled, immersed in uncertainty. At least I think so.
ReplyDeleteI take it you were uplifted when the eagle showed his wings. You have them too. They are just not as evident.
I like your poem.
Cheers!
To have such grace as they do...but you will walk soon without a limp I'm sure. Nicely written.
ReplyDelete