Hawk

Hawk

     I saw a hunting hawk today, over

Near fields, on trembling feathers hanging high;

And marvelled at the link of brain to limb

Which gave such perfect mastery of flight:

     Until it stone-dropped suddenly from view,

Then rose again, triumphantly, above

The fringing boscage trailing, in clasped feet,

The abject object of its taloned stoop.

     The power and precision of that bird,

Whose keen eyes and compactly-muscled force

Co-ordinated so supernally,

Evoked that admiration in my mind

     Which is reserved for graceful artistry combined

     With purposeful executive facility!.