Death In Flight Poem by Liam ó Comáin

The flock sped
back and forth,
spreading into
the distance,
and in turn
swooshing low
above the loft;
a daily ritual
prior to the
reception of a
mixture of grain.

Suddenly
it changed
its pattern
of flight,
rising higher
and higher
while circling
like a whirlwind.
Its erratic
behaviour
arising from the
presence of a
bird of prey.

The flock rose
as if to attack
its predator,
who in turn
rose higher
and higher,
rapidly flying
and then gliding;
a mesmerising
strategy which
scattered the flock
into ever widening
directions.

Thus the predator
with talons extending,
akin to the opening
undercarriage of
a plane, dived and
grasped its hapless
victim....