I watched it rotate near 360
after deciding I’m okay to ignore 
then tilt straight up to the heavens, the sky, 
the pined branch overhead
not quite sure why he looked above 
but I stood awestruck 
his talent to take in the world 
in its entirety 
with just the turn of his head 
marveled at soft features of down 
exposed on his neck 
felt silence rain down on my skin
cling to the branches his claws gripped 
then as gold eyes centered
returned my way
grateful he allowed my presence  
but knowing he preferred alone 
So I left this treasure 
with his flat face 
precise beak
gentle brown and white crescents 
   I returned to my walk back to the cabin      
   only a mile or so to go 
———
Jim Stark trail, Stanley, Id