LOCAL CHARITY

by Sandy Hiortdahl

Jesse left three shredded
perch on the bank
for that wounded hawk
and we watched to see
her come closer, closer,
limping and wary with
a yellow eye, with a beak
and talons moving fast
on the fish, but watching us
just in case and ready
to turn and do her best
if need be to protect herself.
She ate all three and then
sat back a bit as though to
reflect on the lunch and give
hawk thanks in her hawk world
to the pond and its inhabitants.
The next day, Jesse did the same,
and the next and the next and by
the end of the week, our hawk
walked the shore in triumph,
snatching up the fish guts,
then took flight.