The Watcher and the Watched
A Sharp-shinned hawk holds me in thrall,
rapt with disgust, awe, love. He meets my gaze,
as he tears bleeding flesh from his prey,
hapless bird or rodent, indistinguishable now
no hint of feathers or fur, I cannot look away.
Judge, jury, executioner, he is magnificent
as a robed tyrant is magnificent. He is Thomas Cromwell,
in the court of Henry the VIII, rusty orange striped vest,
dull gray hooded cloak perfect for lurking in shadows.
I, Anne Boleyn watch his every move. An invisible chain
holds us all afternoon, as he picks at the carcass
draped over the branch, a spot of blood on his chest,
yellow talons piercing the ravaged flesh. He stares at me,
I tear my eyes away, and released from bondage, he flies.
No comments:
Post a Comment