Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Elmo's nest



On top of the hill, sheltered from the wind, I lay in a nest of grass and waited for the other two while peregrine chicks split the sky with screams of joy at finding their wings for the first time. Born on a rock ledge above the heaving sea in a tangle of twisted twigs, clumsy, ugly, now they dance their fearful dance across the blue and claim the air as their element, all wing and claw and beautiful elegance.

4 comments:

Griffin said...

Lucky Elmo and you to see new flying peregrines. I have only seen a kestrel in flight and that was decades ago.

To see a cat watching a peregrine must be interesting too. One hunter watching another... even if Elmo may prefer to be a hunter of warm places to snooze...!

Mary Beth said...

You have such a wonderful way with words, I can see the peregrines. Wish I were there to see them in person - your pictures are a amazing! And of course, the gingers just make it that much better.

Daisy said...

I have always dreamed of flying!

Anonymous said...

Such a beautiful place where you live...