Raptor Exhibit by Patricia L. Goodman

Raptor Exhibit
by
Patricia L. Goodman

for David

The great horned owl’s eyes,

yellow as Nefertiti’s necklace,

stare at my grandson and me,

rivet us. He is an imprint bird,

the handler explains, healthy, but

raised by a well-meaning person

so now he thinks he’s a human.

On other perches, a screech owl

someone hit with a car, broke

its wing so it can’t be mended.

He also must live his life

in captivity, and two hawks,

who each lost an eye

after being struck

on the road—all these birds

rescued, rehabilitated by

caring humans after being

compromised by the careless.

My grandson gets it, looks at me,

Nana, are you going to write a poem

about this?

Patricia L. Goodman is a widowed mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who lives in Delaware. She is a retired horse breeder and teacher and now enjoys singing, gardening, writing, spending time with her family, and she has recently become involved with musical theater. Patricia is the author of three books: Closer to the Ground (Main Street Rag), Walking with Scissors (Kelsay Books) and, most recently, Unbridled (Kelsay Books).

dotief@comcast.net:
I love the end!
Posted 11/09/2013 02:08 PM

Ross Kightly:
Being cussed enough myself to bridle at being told 'There's a poem in that for you' I admire your restraint Patricia. I also recall a demonstration of owls at a school I taught in. It was one of the scariest things I ever experienced. There is a sadness in this poem which you restrain yourself - admirably - from labouring. 'Yellow as Nefertiti's necklace....' Lovely stuff.
Posted 11/09/2013 12:02 PM

Jo:
He does recognize the poet in you. We are present watching the hawks with you. I didn't know the term, imprint bird--happy to learn something new also. Keep writing.
Posted 11/09/2013 09:05 AM

gigi:
Your grandson gets it for sure; he recognizes the poet in you. Beautiful poem, appreciated by another Nana.
Posted 11/09/2013 08:42 AM

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