It’s a sad truth the greatest superpower in the world with force projected worldwide and keenly aware of biological threat risks was woefully unprepared to address its own pandemic needs much less take a lead on the world stage. Hopefully we learned and can be an admirable example for the inevitable next time, capable of providing prompt humanitarian aid to other countries, our nest in order.

 

You might have mistaken dark clouds
for stealthy wings shadowing the globe
in their feathery unflappable power—
 
wings like flags in a bleeding sky,
the brightest flags not seen,
talons like precision missiles
striking targets, taking life here
saving life there,
 
with ungrappled purpose—
a global mission on behalf of all birds
in nests around the world
to soar at mock speed, punish
poaching predators, counter panic,
contain anarchy, deliver cures,
and live up to its name.

 

 

 

Ed. Note: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus is a Bald Eagle.