Turkey Vultures

Tilting, turning, trying to adapt;
slicing the air, gauging the gusts.

Turkey Vultures stay for the summer,
riding the winds, searching for carrion.

Ignored by many, disliked by others.
They provide a necessary service.

Circling in the air, smelling decay,
they can detect the remains of the day.

Dropping to the ground,
they locate the carcass.

Then clean up the roadkill,
remove the odor we find obnoxious.

Let us ignore their odd demeanor,
because they make our world cleaner.

© 2019 Richard Havenga

Photo Locations:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,& 10: Kent County, Michigan

8. Patagonia, Arizona

9. Corkscrew, Florida