*

*

dead deer

roadside rot

flies hum

thin May sun

*

bird alights

oiled black plumes

disposer

of carcasses

*

jagged wings

patrol aloft

eyes sharp sharp

scent, beak

humble

feathered toiler

bare crinkled head

putrid breath

*

recognize

its rightful place

beloved of God

black bird of dark doings

recycler of life

blessed necessity

sweeps circles

cloud high