Eagle’s Take Off

The Bald Eagle rests on a weathered driftwood log

as I stand at the ready

feeling the direction of the wind

while the marvelous creature attentively scans the surroundings.

My perception is that take off is imminent.  

The Eagle seemingly in no hurry

gazes intently toward the west

then turns softly to the east,

as I begin to relax in the wait

my index finger lightly resting on the camera,

my eyes moving from the viewer to the bird.

And suddenly,

there is a rapid crouch,

the wings deploy in all their glory

and in two quick flops she is flying.

The camera already in burst mode 

goes into furious clicking

a fraction of a second too late,

and although a few frames are captured

I have without a doubt missed the shot.

For a brief instant I am stunned

watching the magnificence of the movement

the plumage illuminated as the distance increases,

I feel the uniqueness of this moment,

the aliveness of the experience,

and rejoice in the gift I just received.