by Jasmine Arch
i dive
chasing the musky tang
of prey on the ground
i almost taste
the coppery burst
of warm blood
air currents caress my skin
with each beat of my wings
i drink the reedy song
of trees dancing
swaying in the wind
bask in the scents
of air water earth green
anything
to delay my return
to an empty nest
no egg no hatchling
nor the warmth
of a mate
it’s been so long
since last i saw
another
heard their roar
felt it vibrate
through my bones
gone
are games
among clouds
the rumble of passion
the coming of the young
i lost count
of seasons
spent alone
so tired
of relentless men
haunting these hills
hounding my steps
blades and spears and flame
fearing
what they don’t understand
killing
what they can’t control
their cries echo
in the valley below
as they come again
my claws dig into soil
i push off
and choose
the sky
still mine