swooping shadow

even a wren creates a shadow

flying above and trailing

a flapping bit of darkness

across the path in front of me

but the swoop of a bird of prey’s

sinister silhouette overhead

freezes breath and pulse

i can only imagine the terror

of a chick or rabbit with death

soaring between earth and sun

moment seized

bird of prey sharp brown-black

against incessant blue Mexican sky intent in flight, seeking life

in the varied green-blue waters below

dives suddenly from outspread wings

to compact missile hitting the water

and rising, dripping, with fish in talons, heavy, writhing prey brings

the bird nearly back into the gulf

but, shuddering off excess water

strong wings carry off trophy  

moment of struggle spelling life

and death, repeated endlessly over eons