Deep in the wood’s shadow, amber eyes
glow, swivel at my approach: one
fluid move, a ruffle of specked feathers
and we are eye to eye.
We were never meant to meet:
this haunting cry through the bristling night,
swoop of dark wings across
the moon’s spilt path, sudden scream
in a ghostly hunt, hunched here
now mute, exposed to day, unable to fly
across the brutally low cage.
Averting my gaze
in sympathy I leave. Since I’m neither foe
nor prey his eyes no longer follow me
but stare impassively ahead:
this ready sentinel,
strong each soundless moment