Vulture
I had walked since dawn and lay down to rest on a bare hillside
Above the ocean. I saw through half-shut eyelids a vulture wheeling
…..high up in heaven,
And presently it passed again, but lower and nearer, its orbit
…..narrowing,
…..I understood then
That I was under inspection. I lay death-still and heard the flight-
…..feathers
Whistle above me and make their circle and come nearer.
I could see the naked red head between the great wings
Bear downward staring. I said, “My dear bird, we are wasting time
…..here.
These old bones will still work; they are not for you.” But how
…..beautiful
…..he looked, gliding down
On those great sails; how beautiful he looked, veering away in the
…..sea-light
…..over the precipice. I tell you solemnly
That I was sorry to have disappointed him. To be eaten by that beak
…..and
…..become part of him, to share those wings and those eyes–
What a sublime end of one's body, what and enskyment; what a life
…..after death.
by Robinson Jeffers