How Have You Been, Betsy?

Turkey vultures have feelings, too

Turkey vultures. Author’s photo.

While hiking this morning, three turkey vultures soared overhead. As I was brainstorming about my next story, the lines of a poem about the scavengers started to form in my brain.

Returning home, I rushed to the computer. Then, I thought, “Who would want to read a poem about vultures?”

Then, my dad’s words popped into my head: “Randy, don’t do a half job.” So, to apply the lesson, here is a tale of vultures Pete and Betsy.

Crows may caw
And ducks may quack
But vultures make no sound

Swirling and whirling
High in the sky
They slowly descend to the ground

Scrounging for morsels
They hop all around
Hardly a bite anywhere

Finally Betsy
Announces to Pete
I think I could eat a bear

The job is done, a fitting poem for five-year-olds.