The Vultures Dance.

Timelike and the decaying bodies piled high cease to amuse the vultures now

Single shots give the rebels confidence

They attack in force

Heavy machine gun fire from the west toss bodies into the air like ragdolls

Textbook

Vultures  tearing at eyes of the dead and dying

Bullets to precious for mercy

The night brings natures other cleaners

Muffled scream heightens the reactions as night vision survey death in technicolour

The ponderous wait continues

Stroking metal like some sex provoking act

Followed only by counting lives little savers, bullets of love

The vultures dance impatiently

The stroking intensifies

Hairs stand erect as movement waves majestically towards its final objective

A sudden calm unfolds

Nature watches in awe as love is unleashed in her garden for the final time

The call to bayonets now takes man down to his lowest form of savagery  

Eyes now meet, screaming death the ferocious last act of  men past the point of madness

Blood flows as metal slices through skin and bone, swaying death the final frenzy as screams die the day's end

Men cry as they survey the last atrocity of human barbarity

Battle ended, vultures marvel feasting on the final meal

Battle-hardened men massacre memories  leaving Celebrations a distant Country as blood red hands refuse to wash

Reviews

[Great Aunt Astri]

What fierce raw description. Incredibly well depicted, and made me think of the lyrics 'war is stupid, people stupid.' But at least the vultures were happy!

[Paul Bell]

I suppose that's natures payback.

[andrew mitchell]

Your imagery doesn't paint a pretty picture reminds me of those African countries fighting extremists. nice writing though.

[Paul Bell]

Yeah this has to be the rawest form of war.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Powerful and gruesome. Man can indeed stoop so low.
Described so truly
"Battle-hardened men massacre memories leaving Celebrations a distant Country as blood red hands refuse to wash"

[Paul Bell]

Are we back writing, Shabeeh. Its been awhile.

[Shabeeh Haider]

Yes, Paul. I am back

[Paul Bell]

Great to see you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Raw and honest....you paint the gruesome scene with your words. This is the birthplace of PTSD. Stunning imagery. Lydi**

[Paul Bell]

Thanks Lydia. Hope things are back to normal.

[Carol Cashes]

Jee-zus, Paul. Stark, unflinching and unapologetic for the real-ness. I thought I was a tell-it, get over it...or not kinda broad, but this is real s**t. *bowing and backing away slowly*

[Paul Bell]

Sorry Carol. Did this get inside your head.
Need to write a funny one now, to bring you back.

[Carol Cashes]

Didn't so much "get inside my head" - no room at the inn, so to speak - but after my 3 week hiatus while I "highly functioning-ed" through this last depressive episode, I came back to some of the saddest, "my-heart-is-bleeding-tears-of-loneliness" and *I think I should just die" poetry that this was a welcome piece of in-your-face "take that!" writing. FYI: If I say "this is real s**t", that's high praise, and while not "elegant or eloquent", it matches your piece exactly.

[Paul Bell]

Hope the sun is shining for you now. Liked your reports.

[AYVID N]

Paul this was powerful in narration. Vivid images of the carnage, bring on very emotions. Man's beastly side brought out in totality. Appreciated so much!

[Paul Bell]

Thanks DIVYA. Life in its barest form.

[AYVID N]

This poem is different from your usual style.

You are welcome Paul...

[Paul Bell]

I know, need to get back to humour quick.

[Coyote Poetry]

Strong, powerful and honest words shared.
"Men cry as they survey the last atrocity of human barbarity
Battle ended, vultures marvel feasting on the final meal
Battle-hardened men massacre memories leaving Celebrations a distant Country as blood red hands refuse to wash"
The above lines. Realistic of life and war. A sad world where we know only blood and death. Thank you Paul for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Paul Bell]

Thanks, Coyote. Like the song. War, what it is good for.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are right and you are welcome.