TAMER AND HAWK
              - Thom Gunn

I thought I was so tough
But gentled at your hands
Cannot be quick enough
To fly for you and show
That when I go I go
At your commands.

Even in flight above
I am no longer free:
You seemed me with your love,
I am blind to other birds -
The habit of your words
Has hooded me.

As formerly, I wheeled
I hover and I twist,
But only want the feel,
In my possessive thought,
Of catcher and of caught
Upon your wrist.

You but half-civilize,
Taming me this way.
Through having only eyes
For you I fear to lose,
I lose to keep, and choose
Tamer as prey.