Eagle

Spread your wings and soar above,
Cast your shadow on terrified prey
Be it rodent or pigeon or dove,
They scurry for cover, or else they pay.

The majestic flight of winged death,
Power and pride in mortal flesh.
With every wing beat and steady breath
Spreading fear in the hearts of foes afresh

But the eagle was old and not as strong,
For time leaves a mark, even on a king
Dull talons and beak can not belong,
To the proud eagle, so he took wing.

To the mountain top, where he was purged,
The pain was such that he might die
But our friend persisted and thus emerged
Once more a king; and took to the sky.

A defiant screech shook heaven and Earth,
Terror in the hearts of lesser beasts
King of the skies, by right of birth...
The mighty eagle has been released.

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Eagles are amazing creatures... everything about them is inspiring and regal, but perhaps none more so than the fact that old eagles tend to pluck out their own feathers and break their own beaks and talons in order to sharpen them. It has always fascinated me that eagles can subject themselves to such pain rather than live as shadows of their former selves... or it would, if any of it were true. Eagles don't in fact do any of these things; this has been a long-standing myth popularized by motivational speakers which has absolutely no basis in reality. However, it serves the themes of rebirth and pride very well... also, it gives me a good excuse to be an insufferable know-it-all. Anyway, your suspension of disbelief would be appreciated.