We are fortunate in having an abundance of bird life, partly due to the RSPB lakes sanctuary less than a mile away. This visitor was a rare but memorable one.
(Image courtesy of Pixabay)


Sparrow Hawk

Gazing out on our hibernating garden,
cold and bleak where they come to feed:
Robins, Finches, Wrens, Tits, Blackbirds,
arriving each day to feed on the seeds
from the feeders we have gladly put out,
then fluffing their wings in the bird bath,
such antics always causing us to smile,
warm with coffee behind our plate glass.

Oblivious to the sharp descending talons,
a shadow suddenly swooping down,
scattering the smaller birds asunder then
alighting on the fence to gaze around,
with his guileless gimlet eyes, he looked
so Imperious it took my breath away,
held suspended hoping he’d bide awhile,
though as not to prey on the other birds.

Then I thought I ought to shoo him away,
but as I raised my hand our eyes locked,
his as if to say ‘are you now the hunter
And I the prey, because I only kill to live.
In nature the only morality is necessity.’
That was enough for this magnificent bird,
he’d decided he had outstayed today as
fast like the wind he flew into the grey.

© D G Moody 2025





Poetry by D G Moody The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 16 times
Written on 2025-11-23 at 17:16

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Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
IMHO an excellent write is this, my friend. You tell the story in such a matter of fact way it belies the poetic crafting that lies behind the work. I feel these eye contacts with out brother creatures on the earth can sometimes impart in depth understanding that words - were they possible - would ever do. Blessings, Allen
2025-11-23