The hot summer sun beats down on my head

As I walk down the road

My head is bowed

My canteen is empty

-

We're almost to the tree line

But its still miles to home

At least then

We'll be out of the sun

-

Below me I see a shadow

And I look up

To see a vulture circling

High above

-

It settles in the tree

Watching me

And I stare right at its

Bright red head

-

I look along its dark brown feathers

Huge wings

Pointy beak

And I say to it

-

"I'm sorry friend, but not today"

"Today I will continue on"

"I can reach the end"

"And go back home"

-

"But someday, you will find me"

"When I have lost all hope"

"And then you may gladly take me"

"To feed yourself"