Aetos Kaukasios

It happens every day.

Bristling his feathers and shaking 
Shivering off frigid night air 
Sun cracking out on the horizon 
Brilliant light of the morning fair 

The great eagle regal and strong 
Takes flight on the brisk autumn breeze
Stretching his wings and flexing claws 
Circling over the rocky green seas

He charts the same course each day
Northeast with the sun’s infant heat 
His right wing casting small shadows
As he circles the mountainside seat 

Every day he is fed by the gods 
His daily sustenance all guaranteed
Divine blessing for this noble bird 
Deities watch as he prepares to feed 

A solitary man lays prone, waiting 
Bound fast to the cold mountain wall 
Adrenaline and fear course through him
Upon hearing the eagle’s shrill call 

Descending like a feather-winged comet
The raptor dives down without heed
Tackling his foe with terrible force 
Tearing into his flesh with greed 

This once venerated and honored man
Tries to stifle an undignified scream 
But the torture is too much for him
Outside of some horrible dream 

Relenting he bellows in pain 
His punishment is too much to bear
The valley echoes bloodcurdling noise
While eagle talons rip slash and tear

Satisfied and content with his feast
The Caucasian disemboweled his host
This unfortunate Titan brought low
Prizes of organs and muscle to boast

The bloody banquet now all but over
Eagle eyes meet the man’s harrowed gaze
An odd friendship of familiarity 
Frozen eyes of death in a daze 

In agony the man slumps over
Blood soaking his legs and his chest
Releasing his last breath once again 
Caucasian Eagle returning to nest