Hawk

Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave.

Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. -Song of Songs 8:6

I deign to descend for feeding and thirst.

This burnished blue bubble of sky is my home

And I rule all beneath my dome

My talons are my crown.

Chasing prey, day up, day down,

Spying where sharp-fanged rodents lurk,

While sailing whiplash winds is... work,

Or play? You may decide.

Nothing from my longing gaze can long hide.

Not the tiniest trembling heart

For I am always, in my art,

Relentless as the grave.

More terrible than a tidal wave

My eyes are darker than an ocean trench

But filled with fire that none can quench.

Crueler than winter, warmer than sun,

Beyond the clouds, I wait, hidden, but run!

Divine falconry is at royal play.

I’m breath o’er storm. You? Clay.

Stare at me, behold your king. So stare, behold your king.

I will not for your pleasure sing

I am not your goldfinch, sir.

Hunt me on the mountains, sure

That I will find you first.