Poetry

Written About The Lives of Bald Eagles

A privilege so rare while watching the sky
To behold, to marvel, to see eagles fly
So high, so fast, so colorful, so proud
Sheer determination as they crisscross the clouds

A family perhaps, it’s just about time
The mating dance; a ritual sublime
A nest to build no small feat at all
Lots of hard work ahead in a tree so tall

The eggs are placed in one long week
Now begins the vigil for the outcome they seek
Taking turns in stride to mind the store
Leaving only to stretch and fly some more

A family to feed, three mouths always hungry
Keen eyesight and talons make the job look easy
Back and forth to home from dawn until night
Finally, a chance to recover, till mornings first light

Never too far and standing watch
Parental protection from predators and such
An angry look, an evil stare
Brings pause to those who might dare

The saga continues until the eaglets say
I’m ready to fly, to make my own way
The first flight was scary for them and for me
It’s a long look down from the top of their tree

But not so fast, there is much to learn
Months of practice still wait, many miles to burn
Practice makes perfect their cunning and skills
To watch them succeed is simply a thrill

At last, at last, to the parents delight
Their efforts rewarded as the eaglets take flight
To parts unknown, but it’s just a start
May God be with them as they follow their heart

For the parents a time to rest and recoup
To spend time alone, and away from the group
To travel and see the wild open spaces
And visit many new and beautiful places

For me, a time of peaceful reflection
To ponder and judge what all this has meant
It came to me while looking for direction
Simply stated, a life changing event!

A privilege so rare while watching the sky
To behold, to marvel, to see eagles fly
So high, so fast, so colorful, so proud
Sheer determination as they crisscross the clouds

Ray Mueller