-For Gordon

You see me perched here on this stump, fierce and noble,

the image of power and freedom.

Do not be fooled.

Respect comes from great sacrifice and humility.

You wonder why my eye looks so intense,

my beak so sharp and hooked.

Look inside to see how I had to tear the flesh

from those who took the land away from my friends.

I have survived sparce winters where I kept my children

tucked safely under my large wing

just to be shot and hung on a wall as someone’s trophy.

My emblem has been covered by blood, found on the uniform

of a fallen soldier, killed by someone who could not speak his language

and could not see his spirit.

I have seen much since the foundation of the world.  And I sit here

and think about where I have yet to fly.