Gliding overhead, a large Bald Eagle
adjusts her wings, flaps them twice,
and lands on a tree by the lake.

Watching us with a careful eye,
she waits until no danger is
perceived to begin her preening.

The last golden rays of the setting
sun light her white feathers
as if they have been set on fire.

She stays awhile and then suddenly
spreads her great wings and lifts
into the air, uninterested in us.

As she flies across the lake
her beauty permeates the air
around her for all to see.