By Rosemary Burkholder
February 2023
While working at my computer, movement
on the ridge across the valley
caught my eye.
Without my glasses
I could tell it was a big bird.
The sky overcast
the light flat
the terrain a composition
in black and white with
generous amounts of snow
blanketing the earth.
From the window, being naked
without my glasses
I could identify the creature.
The enormous dark body
distinctive white head and tail
soared along the ridge
hunting.
I refused to lose sight
A majestic, bald eagle.
I watched, inquisitively
as it scouted upon its quest.
Was this a sign?
My answer to the question
I sought earlier
this morning?
Reluctantly, I moved, swiftly
across a bridge
from the office to the bedroom
to grab eyeglasses,
with hopes
it would be visible upon my return.
It was,
and even more beautiful
with corrective lenses.
I watched, for long minutes,
without guilt
of returning to my project
Was this an omen?
The bird glided
effortlessly,
catching thermals, soaring
nearly out of sight and returning.
Minutes passed.
My camera could not capture this moment.
Compelled to implant
this memory in my mind.
Captivated, I absorbed,
every second
of each movement
as I tried to read what it was showing me.
At that point, I realized
I had received
not just one
answer to the question I awoke with, but
several sentiments that I hadn’t really thought about.