The Hawks
by LEONARD BACON
ONLY small beasts who dread the birds of prey
Look up. Strong creatures seldom scan the skies,
But the little watch the heavens. Otherwise
Some swift destruction will not long delay.
Falcon and duck hawk in the accustomed way
Still seek their meat. And therefore field-mouse eyes
Study the zenith with a wild surmise
Before the dash to the next cock of hay.
Look up. Strong creatures seldom scan the skies,
But the little watch the heavens. Otherwise
Some swift destruction will not long delay.
Falcon and duck hawk in the accustomed way
Still seek their meat. And therefore field-mouse eyes
Study the zenith with a wild surmise
Before the dash to the next cock of hay.
Men who feared hawk-winged gods found out the courses
Of the Pleiads and Arcturus. High in air
We hear the planes, uneasily aware
Of what may come because we did not balk
At letting loose inexorable forces.
No field mouse ever should invent a hawk.
Of the Pleiads and Arcturus. High in air
We hear the planes, uneasily aware
Of what may come because we did not balk
At letting loose inexorable forces.
No field mouse ever should invent a hawk.