avatarLynne Nardizzi

Summary

The poem "Hawk" is a metaphorical exploration of transformation and the embrace of a new, wild identity.

Abstract

"Hawk" is a reflective poem that captures the unexpected metamorphosis of the narrator into a hawk. The narrator awakens to find themselves embodied as this bird of prey, complete with feathers, talons, and a beak. The poem delves into the narrator's day spent as a hawk, experiencing the freedom and perspective that comes with flying, and the subsequent fear of losing this newfound identity. The hawk's journey is one of discovery and continuous flight, soaring over diverse landscapes and ultimately finding respite in a treetop nest. The poem concludes with the narrator's contemplation of the possibility of another transformation upon the next awakening.

Opinions

  • The narrator expresses surprise and a sense of wonder at the transformation into a hawk, suggesting an unexpected shift in self-perception.
  • There is a playful tone in the description of the hawk's ungraceful start, indicating an acceptance of the awkwardness that comes with change.
  • The poem conveys a strong sense of freedom and exhilaration associated with the hawk's flight, highlighting the appeal of escaping daily routines.
  • The hawk's perspective from high above is presented as enlightening, implying that distance can provide clarity and alter one's view of life.
  • The fear of losing the hawk's identity suggests a deep attachment to the new state of being and a reluctance to return to the previous, more mundane existence.
  • The poem reflects on the idea that change is a continuous journey, with the possibility of further transformation hinting at the fluidity of identity.

Hawk

A Poem

Photo by Rachel McDermott on Unsplash

Today I woke up and realized I am a hawk

This was a surprise for when I fell asleep last night I was just me normal more or less

But this morning today I am most definitely a hawk

Feathers talons beak birdlike I am

It’s going to be one of those days the hawk that is me thought

I stretched out my wings ungraciously knocked over a lamp teetered uncomfortably on my sharp claws

So much for work and every day stuff I’ve much more important things to do like being a hawk and doing hawk things

So I got on with the day what else was I to do and I took to the air flying so natural

Wings extended I feel the current let it take me up up and away away from it all

And into truth for truth is flying flying is freedom freedom is fathomless skylines

My piercing eyes I see it all from far away perspective changes everything

I flew all day I flew all night I did not stop I could not stop

Because what if I suddenly stopped being a hawk and forgot how to fly?

So I glided and I hovered around the world into the heavens through ice-capped mountains past the scorching sun

Soaring ascending dipping and diving and doing loop de loops because I can

For a long while was it days? was it months? I do not know

I needed respite so I found a nest waiting for me high up in a treetop

My nest is now home my nest is my place away from it all

I live here now quietly what else am I to do?

For I am a hawk

But perhaps tomorrow when I wake up I’ll be something or someone or someplace new

Thank you for reading! More of my writings here:

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