I come from nest on ridge top high,
I speak with such a shrill cry,
And soar out into the blue sky,
To search with a sharp eye.

For thirty miles I fly around,
Or float like in a dream,
Past woods and fields; all common ground,
Follow a river upstream.

Till last my flight is now complete,
When my prey comes in my sight,
A banquet of fresh blood and meat,
Meet my talons I will smite.

I cry out fear before I plunge,
For panic is my good friend,
At last I swoop my wings and lunge,
For death comes quick in the end.

With strong curved beak I snap and tear,
Ripping clean through fur and hide,
The still throbbing heart of the hare,
Staring up with its eyes wide.

And here and there a muffled moan,
Such a whimpering poor soul,
A raptor by its fierceness known,
Only hunger to console.