[2024:44] Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary, Jim Tilley

After all your walking in sanctuaries, you, a naturalized
citizen, should have come to understand human nature.
Today, you planned to hike the Butler Trail, but branched
off onto the Long Trail because that seemed right after
yesterday’s debacle. Hoping to find yourself, you got lost
in thought like one of the combatants. You’d didn’t choose
the Balancing Rock Trail, nor crossing through a swamp
riddled with skunk cabbage, but made it past those before
connecting with the Butler Loop you knew would get you
home. Arriving at the grandstand overlooking distant hills,
you learned that in the fall you’d be able to see flocks of
migrating buteos, particularly the red-tailed hawk, drafting
on air currents, high like the one with the red tie last night,
talons extended to seize the prey firmly fixed in his sights.