VULTURES

A Poem by Yahya Oulad Aouid

In the horizon, he slyly lurks and schemes

Sizing his prey from the all-mountainous summit,

A hermit of the mountain, antique are his means

Yet Hermes looked above with grace, and with clemency underneath,

For above is the high court of the one truthsayer

Who said that man shall never his brother deceit,

When man fell, no strings were severed

But the wicked cut the cord themselves, and damnation they meet.

His mercy withers when for blood he fiends

And he shakes the glow off his feathers, unveiling his bruises,

When a turned back he sees, he pounces and tears

He cautiously strikes yet solemnly, his neck he loses,

Dread is the fire which burns his piercing eyesight, hiding his fears

For a man of God fears none, valiant he walks and with mercy he oozes,

Vultures prey against those who their mountain moveth

If Zarathustra descends, Sisyphus at the zenith snoozes.

© 2025 Yahya Oulad Aouid

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Featured Review

Betty Hermelee

A very authentic and vividly described scenario of the vulture, supposedly untouchable, but this time he is attacked....blood dripping and "his neck he loses".... so much for the vulnerable vulture, because he this time he lost...a very well done piece my friend.. with some Greek history in the background...
Time to learn something!!!
Warmly, B

Posted 2 Months Ago

1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

2 Months Ago

Thank you for the excellent review, Mrs. Harmelee. I am glad the poem resonates with you, and how it.. read more

2 Months Ago

you are very welcome and happy to have you in the Cafe!
Warmly, B🌷🌷🌷🌷

Reviews

Thomas W Case

Beautiful imagery. You bring this to life.

Posted 1 Month Ago

Arundass TP

Excellent writing. Enjoyed reading 👍

Posted 1 Month Ago

Amy R

A very detailed poem with references of classical figures like Hermes, Zarathustra, and Sisyphus, suggesting a philosophical reflection on the human condition.
It explores the consequences of betrayal among humans and contrasts the nature of divine mercy against human failings.
Imagery and language choice used is quite rich/complex.

Brilliantly written, I expect nothing less with your Masters d.
Thanks for sharing.
-Amy

Posted 1 Month Ago

Compartment 114
Compartment 114

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Soren

Filled with mythology's gods and charactrs this poem ozzes with metaphor and gives advice in a most clandestined manner. Lovely are the images a wonderful write.

Posted 1 Month Ago

Ern M. Yoshimoto

while this is a fairly short work, it was harrowing having epic proportions. i liked how we begin with a vulture but then change perspectives to Hermes, and then to an all-seeing eye. 'If Zarathustra descends, Sisyphus at the zenith snoozes.' it was an unexpected but powerful ending to this story. i was kept engaged and while im sure there were references here i missed, it reads very well and takes the reader on a journey.