The Eagles

Golden feathers, shining copper beaks,
Eyes of amber, etched with iron streaks.
Voices, shrilly spouting maple songs,
Telling that for which the Eagle longs.

Massive wings that slice the sky in two,
Talons that can kill (as Eagles do).
Broadened back that rarely bears a guest,
But when it must, the Eagle does it best.

Neither friend nor foe do Eagles keep-
Except the one who touched their hearts so deep:
Gandalf, whom they knew since he was grey,
Eagles save as often as they may.

Though they could defend all Middle-Earth,
Having so much courage, strength, and worth,
Eagles choose a solit'ry life indeed,
Interfering only at dire need.