Eagle Time
by Scott Shaffer

Deep in a nature preserve, my friend and I
sit perched on the back of a weathered, wooden bench.

It’s February, a crisp 60 degrees, early afternoon, no wind, and sunny.
We’ve been hiking snowless fields and forest–

crunching stubble, squishing over muddy trails,
leaping a little stream, and basking in the barren beauty.

Despite our quiet chatting, there’s been a stillness in the air.
Now we’re sitting on a bluff overlooking a river that meanders

through the stark glory. Our view slows and then halts our chatter.
Creation continues to caress us. I sense that I’m shedding clock time

like the pullover tied around my waist, and welcoming this time
of rest and openness to Creation’s Poet Laureate.

A far-off, gliding speck drops from the blue sky on our right,
then cruises towards us at eye level.

Golden beak, fierce eyes, and white cowl flash for an instant–
an exclamation point on our momentous moments.

As this winged poet follows the river and recedes on our left,
we, too, “soar on wings like eagles.”



 

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