Showing posts with label Turkey Vultures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Turkey Vultures. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Autumn Riverbed Skies


Todd's Fork of Little Miami River

I pass Todd’s Fork every day—a small stream feeding the Little Miami River. Their junction, the little river town where I work in the public library.

At times of high water, the narrow road lining it is closed. And, days later, the trees standing beside it wear remnants of debris—the high water mark well outside its banks.




But in times of drought, the streambed widens, the chunks of river rock thrown haphazardly from one edge to the other. Collecting the fallen leaves of a stand of Sycamores aptly placed.





Today wearing black--
of the Turkey Vultures roosting in their bare branches.
While close to fifty circle above, soaring atop a column of air.
Warmth from an autumn afternoon.

Turkey Vultures, Cathartes aura


See more Skywatch here.

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Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Set Free

I came upon this scene suddenly, driving one of the back roads just before evening. As I turned the car for a better look, I spooked the turkey vulture, standing guard.



Did you see her
fluttering within her cage,
small and warm,
quivering,
full of life?

Silently, she has flown
on wings that beat
a rhythm
never ending,
strong and free.

Where did she go?
I think you know.
I saw you watching.



As final as this sight may seem,
it impressed upon me the continual rhythm of life.
Two weeks ago this field was not yet harvested--
this deer must have fallen here just recently.
Yet, nature has already reclaimed her for others' lives.

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