Accomplice to the Hawk

two golden eyes
peer above the hedge
at other birds
intent on food
the hawk waits
until they settle then
it rises swiftly
and on silent wings
brings death

all of a flap and quiver
sparrows scatter
panicked into the sky
feathers fly
diurnal raptor
claws moist with blood
paddles its prey’s
fresh flesh

I am to blame
I set that trap with seed
to watch the small birds feed