I had walked since dawn and lay down to rest on a bare
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
That I was under inspection.
I lay death-still and heard the flight-
Whistle above me and make their circle and come nearer.
I could see the naked red head between the great
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
On those great sails; how beautiful he looked, veering away in the sea-light over the precipice.
I tell you
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.
