Idling evening on the terrace

watching the light on the bay

saw a swirling whirl of wings

zigging, zagging, desperately spiralling

up down over round and above.

A ravenous rapacious raptor

chasing a frightened fledgling.

Just when all seemed lost

the victim, as a last resort,

dived under the table, and crouched

quivering, heart thumping visibly

half dead  with sheer terror.

 

The fierce-eyed predator

hungrily perched  on the gutter,

ready to swoop yet again,

then ever  impatient, soared off dinnerless

deprived of a choice tidbit.

 

The tiny creature collapsed,seemingly lifeless

but left undisturbed, much later

took off unsteadily, straight to the safe haven

of a sheltering lemon grove.

David had at least outwitted Goliath.