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Cooper's Hawk
If love is truly eternal, what lasts beyond the grave -- and what form might it take?
Mike Patterson loses his life-long partner, Adam Cooper---and soon thereafter, a hawk appears and seems to hang around with him. Is the hawk a message from Adam, from beyond the grave -- or might it be Adam himself, come back to offer solace. A bittersweet tale that will resonate with all who love deeply, a story of the sharpness of grief, the pain of loss -- and, ultimately, a story of never ending love.
Mike Patterson loses his life-long partner, Adam Cooper---and soon thereafter, a hawk appears and seems to hang around with him. Is the hawk a message from Adam, from beyond the grave -- or might it be Adam himself, come back to offer solace. A bittersweet tale that will resonate with all who love deeply, a story of the sharpness of grief, the pain of loss -- and, ultimately, a story of never ending love.
24 pages, ebook
First published June 21, 2012
64 people want to read
About the author
Victor J. Banis
142 books214 followersVictor J. Banis is a writer. http://www.vjbanisauthor.com/
Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction
Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 26, 2012
Okay, I admit it. I began crying on the first or second page of this lovely, heartfelt, and gorgeously-executed short story and didn't finish until I'd read the very last page.
I'm not proud of the fact that I, a grown man, was a blubbering mess by the end of this story of love, loss, and redemption (yes), but it's a journey I'd take again and I'm certain with much the same result.
But I didn't cry solely because the story is so touching, but because of its artistry. It's not so much that it's a tale of loss but more that it's a tale of true human connection and real love, told in prose so achingly simple and perfect that it transcends the page; beauty like that is worthy of tears. Cooper's Hawk is a small slice of perfection.
I'm not proud of the fact that I, a grown man, was a blubbering mess by the end of this story of love, loss, and redemption (yes), but it's a journey I'd take again and I'm certain with much the same result.
But I didn't cry solely because the story is so touching, but because of its artistry. It's not so much that it's a tale of loss but more that it's a tale of true human connection and real love, told in prose so achingly simple and perfect that it transcends the page; beauty like that is worthy of tears. Cooper's Hawk is a small slice of perfection.
June 24, 2012
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
More than any other author who writes "gay" books or stories, I think that Victor Banis has come to be my favorite with his short stories. There is so much craft needed to make a short story really great and I think, a lot of restraint. This story is so touching and heart-warming, combining tone (like a tired body before a nap) and the voice of Mike, solid man of the earth, nearing the end of his life… with just a bit of southern drawl and geriatric snark.
It has only been three days since Mike's longtime partner Adam died at the beginning of the story. His kids and Adam's kids, now all brothers and sisters for a long time, are on a constant rotation watching out for him. It isn't a secret, even though none of them want to give him a hard time about not eating or sleeping, sneaking a drink here and there, and worst of all, succumbing to delusions. He's heartbroken in the quiet, private way an old man is when faced with the loss of his other half. He carries on going into town and getting up and around the house so that his kids won't worry even more about him -- then breaking down in private. The only solace in his grief, apart from the love he has for his kids and they for him as they hover around him, is a hawk that continues to visit him, acting strange for a hawk and giving signs that have a very clear meaning to Mike.
This is a bittersweet story, and though that means there isn't a traditional HEA, I felt like the story did end happily. It is all presented, of course, in a way different readers could conflict upon the point, but when the story ended after it's inevitable course, I felt lighter and a bit happier than when I started it. It is foremost a love story, and though one character has passed and there is only a brief flashback, the love between the two of them came through really strongly, shown by the way that Mike's ingrained habit of operating as half of a whole is still so obvious. All of the secondary characters have distinct voices, difficult to achieve with such limited page time for each one. But what sets the story apart is the voice of Mike:
This is a story that I'd love to keep around and read when I felt like I needed to. The reach of such a settled and still completely in love couple is much further than any sadness that might happen as consequence of the two growing old together. Not only are those things unavoidable in life, but in this story they serve to contrast and highlight the love that permeates this old, modern family that Mike and Adam created together.
I love Victor Banis' writing, he's such a pro and this short story settles right in when you start reading it, as if it isn't trying at all but still spectacularly succeeding. It is hopeful and beautiful. I would have loved to see the story of the couple together earlier in their lives, but then, that had no place here. This story ended up exactly as it should have done and has the kind of finality about it that you know it couldn't be much improved, and certainly not from me.
More than any other author who writes "gay" books or stories, I think that Victor Banis has come to be my favorite with his short stories. There is so much craft needed to make a short story really great and I think, a lot of restraint. This story is so touching and heart-warming, combining tone (like a tired body before a nap) and the voice of Mike, solid man of the earth, nearing the end of his life… with just a bit of southern drawl and geriatric snark.
It has only been three days since Mike's longtime partner Adam died at the beginning of the story. His kids and Adam's kids, now all brothers and sisters for a long time, are on a constant rotation watching out for him. It isn't a secret, even though none of them want to give him a hard time about not eating or sleeping, sneaking a drink here and there, and worst of all, succumbing to delusions. He's heartbroken in the quiet, private way an old man is when faced with the loss of his other half. He carries on going into town and getting up and around the house so that his kids won't worry even more about him -- then breaking down in private. The only solace in his grief, apart from the love he has for his kids and they for him as they hover around him, is a hawk that continues to visit him, acting strange for a hawk and giving signs that have a very clear meaning to Mike.
This is a bittersweet story, and though that means there isn't a traditional HEA, I felt like the story did end happily. It is all presented, of course, in a way different readers could conflict upon the point, but when the story ended after it's inevitable course, I felt lighter and a bit happier than when I started it. It is foremost a love story, and though one character has passed and there is only a brief flashback, the love between the two of them came through really strongly, shown by the way that Mike's ingrained habit of operating as half of a whole is still so obvious. All of the secondary characters have distinct voices, difficult to achieve with such limited page time for each one. But what sets the story apart is the voice of Mike:
All of a sudden, I wanted to see the creek again, the place where Adam and I had first made love. Seemed like I hadn't been there in ages. If I’d known he was going to leave me the way he did, all of a sudden without any warning, his big ole heart just quitting on him, I’d have talked him into going down there with me a time or two, for old-time’s sake. A mattress and clean sheets weren’t all there was to lovemaking, in case you didn’t know. Front seat of a truck works just fine too. I could give you a whole list of places, if you wanted to know. Adam was a man of strong appetites, and he wasn’t shy, either.
This is a story that I'd love to keep around and read when I felt like I needed to. The reach of such a settled and still completely in love couple is much further than any sadness that might happen as consequence of the two growing old together. Not only are those things unavoidable in life, but in this story they serve to contrast and highlight the love that permeates this old, modern family that Mike and Adam created together.
I love Victor Banis' writing, he's such a pro and this short story settles right in when you start reading it, as if it isn't trying at all but still spectacularly succeeding. It is hopeful and beautiful. I would have loved to see the story of the couple together earlier in their lives, but then, that had no place here. This story ended up exactly as it should have done and has the kind of finality about it that you know it couldn't be much improved, and certainly not from me.
February 23, 2019
ETA: RIP Vic Banis, may your hawk find you, and may your very long, varied, literary legacy live on in stories like this one.
This is a short, lovely, sad story of a man mourning the loss of his husband after a long life together. Well-written and just so real in every moment and shade of emotion. Definitely bittersweet so be aware. I was caught by surprise because it ended at about 80% and although the story arc was complete and well done, I was in no way ready to let go. Beautiful.
This is a short, lovely, sad story of a man mourning the loss of his husband after a long life together. Well-written and just so real in every moment and shade of emotion. Definitely bittersweet so be aware. I was caught by surprise because it ended at about 80% and although the story arc was complete and well done, I was in no way ready to let go. Beautiful.
August 5, 2012
Reviewed on Hearts On Fire... http://heartsonfirereviews.com/
Vic Banis is a master storyteller from his days of writing some of the earliest gay pulp fiction to his works today. He is one of those few writers that actually has enough life experience to pour emotions into a story that stirs the reader whether it's a comedy or a western or a beautiful bittersweet short like this one. Mike Patterson and Adam Cooper were married in every real sense of the word. As soul mates they raised five children together, loved a passionately and completed each other. Adam died four days ago and with him most of old Mike died also. The grown children take turns keeping an eye on Daddy Mike but is Adam somehow watching over Mike too? I loved the character Mike and cried with him, felt his amazement at seeing the hawk and identified with his independent, crusty exterior. Not many people find that forever kind of love that Adam and Mike shared but those few of you who have found it definitely need to read this excellent story.
Vic Banis is a master storyteller from his days of writing some of the earliest gay pulp fiction to his works today. He is one of those few writers that actually has enough life experience to pour emotions into a story that stirs the reader whether it's a comedy or a western or a beautiful bittersweet short like this one. Mike Patterson and Adam Cooper were married in every real sense of the word. As soul mates they raised five children together, loved a passionately and completed each other. Adam died four days ago and with him most of old Mike died also. The grown children take turns keeping an eye on Daddy Mike but is Adam somehow watching over Mike too? I loved the character Mike and cried with him, felt his amazement at seeing the hawk and identified with his independent, crusty exterior. Not many people find that forever kind of love that Adam and Mike shared but those few of you who have found it definitely need to read this excellent story.
June 30, 2012
5++ stars
This short story is a masterpiece of gay fiction. It kept me misty-eyed throughout and sobbing at the end. It is so beautifully written and I will surely read many times again. It is a story of love and loss as well as hope. Highly, highly recommend!!
This short story is a masterpiece of gay fiction. It kept me misty-eyed throughout and sobbing at the end. It is so beautifully written and I will surely read many times again. It is a story of love and loss as well as hope. Highly, highly recommend!!
July 2, 2012
Absolutely beautiful. Poignant and heart wrenching - but in the best way possible. It speaks to a lifetime of love and loss between these two men and their family. Just so well-written - not an extraneous word. I love a good affecting short story and this is perfect example.
July 28, 2012
Four days after the death of his lover, Mike sits at his rural home grieving for Adam. Mike and Adam’s children flew in for the funeral, and they—two men and two women—do their best to comfort Mike, but there is no comfort for someone who has just lost their soul mate. Strangely enough, a Cooper’s hawk begins flying around the farm, bold as brass and seemingly unafraid of Mike. I say “strangely” because Adam’s last name was Cooper. The children believe Mike is loosing his marbles, associating the bird with his dead lover, but that bird leads Mike directly to the bank on the creek where Mike and Adam first made love. Coincidence? You be the judge.
This is a tale of a man dealing with great sorrow, yet it is a story of unlimited joy. Kahill Gibran once said: “When you're sorrowful, look in your heart, and you'll see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Yes, the joy of this story came earlier, in the thirty or so years leading up to this tale. The reader catches the memory of a prodigious and honest love between two men.
Banis describes a love so real and so spot-on with such simple, straightforward language, that I found it mesmerizing. It is a beautiful story told with simple elegance, and so real that I realized that my husband and I would someday experience the same emotions, the same path—at least I hope so.
As with all Victor Banis’s works, I can highly recommend this story.
This is a tale of a man dealing with great sorrow, yet it is a story of unlimited joy. Kahill Gibran once said: “When you're sorrowful, look in your heart, and you'll see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” Yes, the joy of this story came earlier, in the thirty or so years leading up to this tale. The reader catches the memory of a prodigious and honest love between two men.
Banis describes a love so real and so spot-on with such simple, straightforward language, that I found it mesmerizing. It is a beautiful story told with simple elegance, and so real that I realized that my husband and I would someday experience the same emotions, the same path—at least I hope so.
As with all Victor Banis’s works, I can highly recommend this story.
August 3, 2012
When Mike Patterson’s life partner, Adam Cooper dies he knows a huge part of himself has died with him. After many happy years together, Mike has to face the thought of living life alone, and he’s not sure how he’s going to be able to do that. Even though their children try to coax Mike into keeping strong and working through his grief, Mike continues to have difficulty going through the motions of life…until he spots a hawk that seems to be very interested in him. In his heart, Mike knows that Adam’s spirit is in this hawk and he once again has the hope that love is never ending and that one day they will be together again.
That’s as much as I’m going to describe this story. To say that Cooper’s Hawk is an emotionally gripping read is an understatement. Mr. Banis easily takes us on the difficult journey that his hero, Mike, is going through. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t feel emotionally invested in this story, and I couldn’t help but stay on the edge of my seat wondering how it was going to end. I will say that the book left me with a smile on my face, and the story stayed in my mind long after I finished reading it. It’s truly a beautiful tale of true love, and the hope we all have to be reunited with our loved ones when this life is over. I loved it and highly recommend it.
That’s as much as I’m going to describe this story. To say that Cooper’s Hawk is an emotionally gripping read is an understatement. Mr. Banis easily takes us on the difficult journey that his hero, Mike, is going through. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t feel emotionally invested in this story, and I couldn’t help but stay on the edge of my seat wondering how it was going to end. I will say that the book left me with a smile on my face, and the story stayed in my mind long after I finished reading it. It’s truly a beautiful tale of true love, and the hope we all have to be reunited with our loved ones when this life is over. I loved it and highly recommend it.
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February 16, 2014This was a short story, but very moving. A very much believable story too, about two long-term partners: Adam and Mike are simple men with a very ordinary life; both widower with young sons, 3 boys Adam, 2 girls Mike, they found each other and raised their kids together. Just like that, not fancy ceremonies or legal fight, they were both daddies to their five children and shared a good life together.
But love cannot do anything against old age and death, and Adam preceded Mike; that was just few days ago, and now Mike is simply waiting for the time when he will be able to reach Adam in whatever paradise they are allowed to share. It can be sad to think, especially for your children, but actually Mike is old, and frail, and Adam was his shield against old age; now that Adam is gone, what is the reason for Mike to stay? Sure his children love him, even Adam’s children love him like if they were his own, but in a way, it’s right, and better, for Mike to be forever with Adam again.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DYOY4I/?...
But love cannot do anything against old age and death, and Adam preceded Mike; that was just few days ago, and now Mike is simply waiting for the time when he will be able to reach Adam in whatever paradise they are allowed to share. It can be sad to think, especially for your children, but actually Mike is old, and frail, and Adam was his shield against old age; now that Adam is gone, what is the reason for Mike to stay? Sure his children love him, even Adam’s children love him like if they were his own, but in a way, it’s right, and better, for Mike to be forever with Adam again.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DYOY4I/?...
January 11, 2016
24 Pages. That is all it took for me to fall in love with the words of Victor J Banis. Cooper’s Hawk is a beautiful tale of timeless love. It is a tale of grief and survival. It is a story of two men who found each other and never wanted to be apart. It is a story that will have you in tears from the opening to the closing words.
Full review here:
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
Full review here:
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
July 1, 2012
This story actually had a bit of a Brokeback Mountain feel about it, only - despite Adam's death - with a happy ending.
July 10, 2012
Sad, touching, intense, incredible!!
August 30, 2012
I loved this beautifully written story.
August 21, 2012
A heartfelt story that gives comfort to an afterlife ending.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews