Alerted Prey

Whistling and shrieking the
hawk wheels rapturously on
the wind that has brought
cold, crisp air to the forest.
Above the forest canopy
where foliage remains notionally
wispy the raptor peers below
as it rides the updrafts, seeking
out prey in the certain knowledge
born of seasonal experience 
that these spring-awakening
woods play host to teeming
wildlife. Surely small mammals
and other avian species shudder
at the triumphant declaration
of an existential threat returned.