Merto's Flight

Enthusiasm sustained while anticipation intrigues To capture a glimpse of a Cooper’s hawk Hours pass by, keeping patience as a virtue I span the sky and tree tops each step of my walk. Oh my gosh, those powerful wings suddenly appear My excitement escalates, such a joyous delight His head bowed, he begins to descend Wings wide, screeching call, “oh what a sight” Could he have been to places unknown? Over grassy meadows and the shores below, Gliding and encircling, so high Using the thermal winds that blow. Perching upon a oak tree limb Getting rested from an adventurous flight He acknowledged my presence by staring Was he not accepting my delight? A notorious prowler with keen perception Visual acuity exceeds that of mankind Elite flying skills and vigor justifies his rank A mighty warrior we do not redefine. I began to wonder if only I could fly with him What would it take to be his companion? To soar high, almost thru the clouds Or thru a ravine, or over a canyon I imagined being on his back, ready for a flight Taking me to territories never seen before Never could I have had this dream Of unknown places we were about to explore Driftwood sprawled about, marsh fields stir Rapid rivers overflowing their banks, Small gathering of elk grazing about Oh, such a thrill, I owe him thanks The flight has ended, my imagination drew wild A treasured voyage, memories to last This opportunity has established great insight What it was like to have a super blast