The Kill

Loud squawking, flying low.
Raptor looks down in distain
Laboured flight from heavy pay
Talons death gripped tight again.
Dead but not yet dead
Ambushed bird twists its head
And shrieks and squawks
Buzzard’s determined journey veers
Out to sea and away to
Some charnel post on high
Where in deadly purpose acts
Out the ritual slaughter and
Devours the wretched gull
Stark contrast of scarlet blood
On white feathers to mark the spot.

Martin Delemare

4th June 2006