what remains

as the calf
is born the vultures gather
unsure
if life or death
is on the ground.
they are patient
in their hunger.

it struggles
to rise
to it's feet as more
birds
arrive.
black as oil, clawed
with
beaks
as sharp as knives.

the mother, her shadow
on the green
field
moves closer.
it's to time to go.
and the new calf
finds her
way. stands
for the first time.

the vulture wait
for what remains.