Here is my own take on the classic tale of Poland’s famous White Eagle. Enjoy!
Sacrifice
by Philip Kosloski
Upon a cool mid-summer’s eve,
I lost my way and wandered ’bout
In foreign lands I’d never seen,
Strayed ‘midst the leaves a-glistening.
Drawn empty from a fortnight out
Bereft of food and looking lean;
Was I compelled to look about,
Beneath a tree a-glimmering.
Lo sounds of joy and laughter there
So deep within the forest glades;
Compelled was I to wander there
To spy the cause of reveling.
As I drew closer to the glades,
A root sent me into the air,
To land beneath a linden’s blades
And hit the wood a-trembling.
A trance thus brought me to the morn
And woke to find there such a sight;
An eyrie ‘loft with eggs forlorn,
Gave strength to bones a-quivering.
I climbed the tree to feast and fight,
When mother flew in to forewarn;
She stood upon the nest upright
With wings outstretched unwavering.
Afraid was I, and thrust to wound ‘er,
Brave was she and did not move;
Even blood did not dissuade her,
As she stood unfaltering.
Alas! Her talons tore my glove
From the tree there did I falter;
Falling downwards from above
Upon the dew leaves glistening.
And then she rose up calm and still,
Her feathers stained a crimson col’r;
I witnessed there a noble will,
To give up blood unflinchingly.
I glanced about to look once-o’er,
Alas! They vanished, every quill;
A lily blossomed ‘rectly o’er
The branch, waving mysteriously.
The image thus now on my shield,
that every time I reach a fray,
T’would know the valor which to wield
To give up life for family.
Thus a path showed forth the way
Past trees out to an open field;
The sun rose up to start the day
And lead me to my destiny.