Sunday Whirl #67
Dinner for Four
The crest of the mountains
Dig deep into the canapy of clouds
Like lace
Layered over a clear blue sky
Fly through the air
Circle
Channeling death…or near death
There is no attack
No scores to be settled
Each falling from the air
Taking part in the feast
It is orderly as if by tradition
No frenzy
Some would say…
They are wayward
They pass the ball on the court
Dressed to the “nines”
A robust game
All is sublime
Their life though strange
A rough purification
Note: The beginning is the scene I saw on my way to town, and four turkey vultures circling the tennis court, and I wondered…who or what are they circling? And then I thought about how noble they are, just doing their job.
annellannell 
I loved reading your process notes. It was fascinating to discover what inspired yourto write this lovely poem. Your opening line is really spectacular: “The crest of the mountains Dig deep into the canopy of clouds Like lace Layered over a clear blue sky.” Gorgeous!
Thanks so much for your comments! Annell Livingston HC 74 Box 21860 El Prado, NM 87529
annell@taosnet.com http://www.annelllivingston.com http://www.somethingsithinkabout-annell-annell.blogspot.com https://annellannell.wordpress.com
Ooh this sends shivers..something about the silenced and practised kill..makes it more emotionless..and deathly..i like those lace clouds..somehow soft and wise in this mountainous scene..jae
You know the vultures are really beautiful, and yet we don’t love them as much and I was trying to say they do not kill…but benefit from death…and yet clean it up. Thanks for your comment! Annell Livingston HC 74 Box 21860 El Prado, NM 87529
annell@taosnet.com http://www.annelllivingston.com http://www.somethingsithinkabout-annell-annell.blogspot.com https://annellannell.wordpress.com
ha def makes me wonder what they are circling…i guess in a way it is cleansing that they eat the dead…and it can be of some use to further life…..
Thanks for sharing your capture of time, which I always find fascinating.
Thanks for your comment! Annell Livingston HC 74 Box 21860 El Prado, NM 87529
annell@taosnet.com http://www.annelllivingston.com http://www.somethingsithinkabout-annell-annell.blogspot.com https://annellannell.wordpress.com
There is beauty in all things natural. I quite agree that it is fascinating where the same list of words takes each of us to different places. Thanks for your visit.
A great concept to use those tricky words. You obviously don;t agree, but I prefer not to highlight the prompt words, so that they don’t rule the poem, and come as happy discoveries. What motivates your system?
The words to me, are an adventure, I wouldn’t have taken otherwise. I’m not a professional writer, only a novice who writes from her heart. And am often surprised by the direction of the poem. Thanks for your comment. Annell Livingston HC 74 Box 21860 El Prado, NM 87529
annell@taosnet.com http://www.annelllivingston.com http://www.somethingsithinkabout-annell-annell.blogspot.com https://annellannell.wordpress.com
You give new meaning to the concept of “dinner for four”! 🙂
In the book The Language of the Goddess, by Marija Gimbutas, there is infomation about the vultures shrine, Catal Huyuk. Vultures were held sacred. She said the principal images that can be detected in prehistory and which still play a part in folk beliefs are the vulture, owl, cuckoo/hawk, dove, boar, the White Lady and her hound, and the dry bone.
She says, the bird depicted in the vulture shrine, is identified as the griffon, or Old World vulture. Completely black, it is a very impressive bird, especially in flight with its nine-foot wingspan; however, it is entirely nonaggressive and feeds exclusively on carrion. It is this trait which is responsible for the griffon-vulture’s special assoication with death. (Marija Gimbutas, Goddess)
There are some great visual treats in this poem. Thanks for sharing it.
Perhaps we are a minority that sees these creatures as more than prophets of death. They are magnificent to watch in the sky. Did you take that photo? If so, I am really really jealous. The turkey vultures are an essential part of nature’s process of life/death/rebirth.
Elizabeth
http://soulsmusic.wordpress.com/2012/07/29/after/
Yes, we join hands and travel this road in awe! Awe at all things…
I have to admit, I did not take that photo, found it on the internet. (Forgot to say)
You saw beauty where others see death, Annell. Thanks for sharing your process notes.
“Orderly as if by tradition…” Yes. And yet you found the beauty: “dig deep into the canopy of clouds/ like lace.” I won’t see vultures in quite the same way. They are necessary to the function of the planet. Thank you.
You have made my day! Annell Livingston HC 74 Box 21860 El Prado, NM 87529
annell@taosnet.com http://www.annelllivingston.com http://www.somethingsithinkabout-annell-annell.blogspot.com https://annellannell.wordpress.com
I saw a film once, about vultures in South America, first they would put out rotten chicken and the voultures wouldn’t come, then a fresh one, and they came at once. Another thing, which I don’t think is true in our country, but the vultures come, but they wait for the King Vulture to come to open the carcass (his beak is just right for this task) and he has first choice, then the others eat…how orderly indeed.
I enjoyed your process notes and your view of vultures, as beautiful creatures doing their job, holding an important place in the dance of life and death. I liked the orderliness in your poem, in words and images.
Annell, I love how you arrived at this piece. It is a beautiful read.
Pamela