His white-capped head bows down to destiny as a voice that only heaven knows, whispers “The time has come.”He’s lived a life of power and brilliance.
He’s an icon of freedom, living amid the solitary grandeur of nature. From high on the crags of the lofty mountains he plunges into the valleys below, and then with swiftness and grace he ascends to the boundless spaces beyond. His likeness is found on our coins, the silver dollar, the half dollar and the quarter and on the great seal of the United States. There we see the eagle with outspread wings, a symbol of our freedom.
During his long life he has soared through wind and rain hunting for prey, not only for himself but for his offspring. His ultimate commitment to his lifelong mate lasted until her death and now - he would join her. He embraces death with same fierce determination that he has faced life.
His failing sight, still many times as keen as man’s, searches for the perfect place to meet his creator. High, high on the mountain, at almost 10,000 feet, a granite rock becomes his target. Soaring with strength born of determination he reaches his monument.
Grasping the huge rock, his talons claw into the minuscule crevices,
and he holds on,
and he holds on.
With his face towards the sun, his eyes focusing on something beyond this world, he holds on and waits.
His shrill voice is silent now, and his heart is at peace.
© Diane Gruchow 2009
