The Skeleton Coast

The vulture sidled up
extended a scabby wing
and began calculating
how long it would be before
he could peck out my eyes

He looked a big one
and I did not want him
to hop up closer
and perch near my head
Although it was probably a while
since the last funeral he attended
that foul breath
was more than capable
of starting wars

Soon his cronies arrived
circling slowly at first
black streaks in the sky
tuned in to death's
unique wavelength
always as patient as the stars
until the appropriate moment

I should never have
buried myself
up to my neck
on this deserted beach
although it seemed like
a good way to escape
the heat at the time
No wonder they named it
the skeleton coast