Thermal Ascension

Hawk,

scalloped feathers steady,

receives the inhale

of thermal and rises—

pull of eternity

intricate in the markings,

counted, threaded

weave of wing,

shaded, textured

frail-boned sail,

lifting beyond

the normal thrust

or rush

of a day’s darting—

the bluest gravity

like a longing,

homing the skyward lean,

column of circling breath—

ride to heaven.

JANE PETTIBONE writes poetry and historical fiction. Her work has appeared in various anthologies, and she is completing a historical novel that takes place in the 1800s in Colorado. Much of her writing inspiration comes from hiking the Rocky Mountains.