Reduce, recycle, reuse,

the bird, not celebrated,

   (except in Hinkley)

follows the premise.

Gliding, winging its way

Clearing

fields and highways-

each spring

returning 

to winter's detritus.

Hulking forms

tearing

  at decaying flesh.

ripping

  from bones.

The reaper's shadow,

  watches for death,

gliding and soaring on thermals,

joined now by companions.

Bald, red heads,

  hunched into necks.

Without status 

  of raptor hawk

Scavengers

feast on leftovers.

Reduce,

recycle,

reuse

Written for Earth Day 2008