On top of a chimney 600 feet high,

Is the home of a raptor,

Top Gun of the sky.

A flying machine designed to attack,

It stoops on its prey

Thrusting talons in back.

With streamline body and pointed sails,

Its deadly weapons carried under its tail.

Floating on thermals, increasing in height.

Quartering circles with effortless flight.

Searching for movement amongst turbulent flow,

Binocular vision locks on quarry below.

A flap of wings, a teardrop, no sound.

Gathering speed, stoops to the ground.

Clean impact of talons, feathers explode,

Race for life over, now carrying load.

Sharp weapons are clamped on the chest of deceased.

Hooded head, hunching shoulders,

Concealing from thieves.

Prize taken to nest, young waiting for kill.

Pigeon prepared for the family meal.

Refuelled, back to safety, 600 feet high.

The peregrine falcon,

Top Gun of the sky.