Poetry, Nature, Essay

The Hawk in the Hydrangea

Something’s happening on “Cat TV”

“Baby Cooper Hawk.” Photo ©Erika Burkhalter

Uma alerted me.

Something’s happening on cat TV.

A squirrel?
No, it flew.
And all of the little birds at the feeder,
they knew.

Danger. Danger.
Danger.

A Cooper’s Hawk is near.

Baby Cooper was conceived amongst
the pine and euculyptus trees
up on our hill.

And she flew that first short flight
from branch to branch —
a fluffy chest, a whole new world,
parents who would leave her
all-too-soon.

And so we thought she was gone.

I’ve reinforced the feeders
with domes of plastic
so that the goldfinches and doves
feel safe.

But tonight, there’s a hawk in the hydrangea.

And she’s so patient,
just waiting.