for Angela Hewitt, by Mariel Kinsey, after her Well Tempered Clavier, Finney Chapel, Oberlin April 4 and 6
BALANCED ON THE BARE BRANCH
the redtailed hawk
is leaning over
its pillowy white breast
concealing
how each feather
is fiercely quilled
into nothing
but instinct and intent
is poised like the pianist
who hovers over the keyboard
fingers whetted
in that moment
before
striking the notes
which overturn your world
forever.