Vulture Poem by Robinson Jeffers
Vulture
I had walked since dawn and lay down to rest on a bare hillside
Above the ocean. I saw through half-shut eyelids a vulture wheeling
high up in heaven,
And presently it passed again, but lower and nearer, its orbit
narrowing,
I understood then
That I was under inspection. I lay death-still and heard the flight-
feathers
Whistle above me and make their circle and come nearer.
I could see the naked red head between the great wings
Bear downward staring. I said, 'My dear bird, we are wasting time
here.
These old bones will still work; they are not for you.' But how
beautiful
he looked, gliding down
On those great sails; how beautiful he looked, veering away in the
sea-light
over the precipice. I tell you solemnly
That I was sorry to have disappointed him. To be eaten by that beak
and
become part of him, to share those wings and those eyes--
What a sublime end of one's body, what an enskyment; what a life
after death.
Amazing. I was intrigued from the beginning, because I love to watch vultures flying, but then the abrupt thought of becoming part of one by being eaten, that just blew me away!
I had my doubts at the beginning, but the imagery pulled me in and nailed me.
CONGRATS being chosen as The Modern Poem Of The Day.5 Stars full and TFS
LAST: Robinson Jeffers' vivid imagery and deep symbolism create a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the beauty and mystery of the natural world
The vulture serves as a multifaceted symbol. The vulture's predatory nature is acknowledged, but the speaker also finds beauty and awe in its presence. Despite being associated with death, the vulture becomes a representation of heaven—a thing to be cherished rather than feared.
THE AUTHOR: 'In the 1920s and 1930s, at the height of his popularity, Jeffers was famous for being a tough outdoorsman, living in relative solitude and writing of the difficulty and beauty of the wild'
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/27/2024 10:54:26 PM # 1.0.0.1119
''What a sublime end of one's body, '' well.. not the best, maybe.. ;) - In Italian: - ''Quale sublime fine per il proprio corpo, ''