Masked Owl

There is no sun in the sky

there is only the moon and stars, shining through the night

There are creatures lurking silently

on the ground and in the sky

sitting on branches and swimming in water

the masked owl is out tonight too

The wind whispers in his ears softly

“Fly”

Wings spread out wide and he can feel the wind in his feathers

Talons let go and he takes flight

His eyes dart across the road

A mouse

Talons reached out; beak opened wide ready to catch his food

Lights blind him

He opens his eyes to find his meal. . .                     gone

His wings flap, suspending him in mid-air

Leaves rustle around him and the cold night air brushes over his feathers

The masked owl’s eyes shine into the empty sky

As empty as his stomach