Birds Of Prey
by Roger Montgomery Ó
I saw the vultures circling
I wondered, “What was their prey?”
They hardly ever attack, I’ve heard
But when do they go away?
I saw their leaders circling
Like clouds floating in the sky
I said, “Why are you watching me?
Do you think I’m about to die?”
But they never answered back
Neither did they fly away
They were keeping a constant vigil
Like watchdogs guarding their prey.
I watched as they circled closer
Underneath I held my breath
I called the second one Eternity
The first one I called Death.
I wonder what they are thinking
I wonder why they just don’t leave
I wondered if they could tell up there
It’s getting hard for me to breathe.
These are birds of patience I knew
Even time helps stalk their prey
They don’t seem to talk a lot
But they sure have a lot to say.
Have you ever watched them gliding
Like sailboats upon the sea?
Sometimes they look so graceful
It’s part of the mystery.
Maybe if I jump and shout I think
It will surely cause them to flee
If I can convince them I’m alive
Maybe they won’t come for me.
Go away Death,
when will you leave?
When will you give me peace?
I wish you would answer back
When will my wonderings cease?
“Why don’t you answer, Death,” I finally cry
“You’re tearing my heart from me.”
“No, I wouldn’t do that,” Death says with a grin,
“I leave that part for Eternity.”