Poem: "Hawk in the Night"

This poem came out of the September 6, 2011 Poetry Fishbowl.  It was prompted by zianuray and sponsored by Shirley and Anthony Barrette.  You can read more about red-tailed hawks and their symbolism online.

A red-tailed hawk flew through my dream.
It moved into my barn and spoke to me.
Sometimes it would land nearby and preen my hair.

Hawks are the bringers of vision and insight,
symbols of leadership and energy.
Their power lies in taking the long view,
yet they can also focus on the tiniest of details.

When they come in the day,
they are creatures of the sun.
At night, in the owl's hour,
they borrow a subtler magic
as the moon reflects the hidden sun.

It is said that to be preened by a hawk
is to be groomed for a position of authority,
and for a wild creature to nest in a manmade place
is a message of balance between the wild and the tame.

I only know that something in me
is opening wings of bronze and copper,
taking flight to search the ground below
for hidden prey.

Do not tell me
that freedom is a vain hope:
I cannot hear you
over the hawk-whispers in my ears.