Most owls live by the stealth of the night
But you hoot under both sun and moon.
It was dark evening when first we met
As you swooshed from ground to tree
From out of nowhere.
Stopping my heart, fanning my fears
Then disappearing against oak bark
‘Til your eyes gave you away.

As I closed, your head tracked me with
An effortless swivel, like a tank turet,
Making me the prey!
But bravely I inched towards you
As you tolerated me for the moment;
Even turned your head away, only
To be quickly lined up in your yellow moony sights.

Still I dared another yard closer, drawn by your wonder.
Then with sweptwing you swooped to another oak perch,
Still close enough, as if inviting me, daring me to come closer;
Which of course I did, and did again and yet again.
Then in a heartbeat with open talons you darted again at me
As I ducked in frenzied fear, but your talons rested
around a tree branch, far too close above my head.

Your assault-like moves first brought terror
But then humble honour and gratitude
For sharing your mystery and beauty with me.
You studied me also as if wondering what creature was I.
Then with a sudden ruffling of wings and feathers
You disappeared into the woods leaving me with the silent reassurance of your wisdom.

08/07/2012