The law

In this sparse land

By the ocean's side

Where falcons glean

And often famished

Spread their wings

Like vengeful angels appointed

To preside over some hellish Eden

What pleasure to watch

Them hover with a trembling shake

In the blue-most sky

Sifting the quick from the dead

Laying down the law

To the wily snakes

Like a feathered Dredd

Stooping often for prey unseen

Among the patches of green

And often rising disappointed

With empty claws or maw

Having found the mice innocent

And their consciences clean.

What a pleasure to find

Cruel beauty of a kind

And rough justice too

Where blue touches green.