A blood-stained nest

When I soar through the trees, there is no shuffling to be heard.

They have become so used to my absence, as I waste the day, hidden in my tree.

Everyone knows, that when the sun dips into the sea, 

the large, rumbling animals come into the dense rainforest

then the wretched creatures pour out of them, crouching low.

Everyone is hushed, we all know better than to let ourselves show.

I flatten myself down in my scattered nest.

I know better than to assume they cannot see me.

They have eyes, so many eyes.

A shot rings in the forest, loud and clear.

A shiver runs down my spine as a body tumbles down from the trees near me.

I suck in a breath, I can feel their eyes scanning through my tree.

But they leave, once again as they have retrieved their prize.

As their steps fade away, I pull myself up.

Cautiously, jumping between the branches, 

I make my way to my brother's nest, sitting in the nearby tree.

A shrill, heartbroken cry leaves my beak, 

as I stare at the empty, bloodstained nest. 

I hang my head low, as the steps return,

it is only a matter of time.