Vultures

(how the vulnerable are preyed on)

if these be friends

then rather none

she fails to see

what they have done

while she accepts

their company

oblivious to all their greed

oblivious to treachery

it's loving friendship 

that she needs

like hungry vultures

they descend

to pick the bones

of all the worthless

little bits of

so called treasure

that she owns

to pick her clean

they hide deceit

her trust lies trampled

at their feet

conniving souls

they have no shame

their morals

sadly down the drain

an open book

she trusts them all

too blind she is

she does not see

they court her

yes indeed they do

they love her

vulnerability

Reviews

[Ruth Martz]

Vultures. I love them. They preform useful tasks. In Tibet, sky burials are the way they deal with the dead.
At first it seemed alarming but later I got used to thinking about it. The final phase of the burial is the vultures. They are extremely big! Great poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ruth. I am still trying to get my head round the fact that vultures can have a positive press. Thanks for telling me about sky burials. I think though, it's not on my funeral wishes :)

Chris

[Ruth Martz]

They are very clean birds. Skye burials are against the law in the states. I hope you are having a great day.

[Chris Shaw]

I am thank you. Have a great day yourself:)

[Red Brick Keshner]

Vultures have a built in radar and a keen eye, so that even out in public they can pounce on the vulnerable. They also vary in shapes and sizes, scavenging from pick-pocketing to blackmail and extortion to gaslighting and enmeshed relationships. Scary stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Frederick. Yes they are everywhere and as you say in all shapes and sizes and disguises. The vulnerable are easy prey for the barstewards. I appreciate your insights. Have a good Sunday.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

I broke down in a desert near Toledo in Spain , police took my two punctured tyres to get fixed
Vultures were hovering above , they took me and my Spanish girlfriend to a restaurant to wait ,as it was scorching hot
Inside , each table , had a three vulture statues surrounding it hanging from the ceiling , ,lol, so your poem , Title first brought that back , but on a serious note , I’ve come across human vultures quite a bit , good poem , wellwritten

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stuart. I haven't seen many flying vultures but I sure know there are quite a few walking on two legs. All the best.

Chris

[Stuart Munro]

Lol, there’s a load about

[Alan S Jeeves]

This is poetry at the sharp end Chris. Well said.

Kind regards, Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Alan, sometimes something just has to be said and it can be quite satisfying having got it off my chest :) Thank you for your visit.


Chris

[Pryde Foltz]

I am reminded of the innocence is bliss adage. If one does not know she is being used, maybe she does not suffer; or maybe she does but does not know why?

Loved the compact nature of this piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Pryde for sharing your thoughts and stopping by. Pleased you enjoyed.

Chris

[Richard Knox]

I love the opening lines:
if these be friends
then rather none
They simply and forcefully set the tone of the piece, and the following lines all expand and explain the sad state of affairs. Nicely done!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Richard for reviewing this piece. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Dear Chris. When we write the truth, we bleed to paper.
"they court her
yes indeed they do
they love her
vulnerability"
I loved the above lines. Vulnerabililty we do share.. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Coyote pleased you enjoyed the poem and
you stopped by today. All good wishes.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome, dear Chris. And I hope you are doing well, and you are enjoying the day of Summer.

[CD Campbell]

I think we are all in agreement that we despise those type of people that take advantage, but so many people today are trained by society to take what they can get without remorse. It makes me think that we are devolving and are returning to a baser form of existence. I'm sure it's been like this since the dawn of time, but I would like to think we were civilized at one point in our history. Maybe not. One thing though, I have seen people being taken advantage of, but sometimes the person is well aware of it, but they can't seem to cross their own good nature. They want to give regardless of intent. It's those that frustrate me, yet I admire them for their kindness. Sorry, lol. Went on a little thought exercise. Thanks for posting this. Great poem! CD

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks CD for a detailed response. This one caught your attention. Appreciate your thoughts. All the best.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

What happened to our society when someone is trampled on because others are jealous of what she owns; they trample on her psyche and put her to shame, and take no blame... they are vultures who have no conscience, no respect for humans. unfortunately, she trusts these people, and remains very vulnerable. A terrible tragedy. Well written Chris.
Best, B

[Chris Shaw]

Seems to be happening more and more dear Betty. Some pretty unpleasant people around. I appreciate your thoughts. All goid wishes.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome dear Chris
Best, B

[Robert Trakofler]

oh how the vultures prey pon the people round here dear Chris:( politically and physically it is a sad state of affairs I sit here with my whistle but the dirty birds still swoop... what's a bunny to do:/

[Chris Shaw]

Hello bunny. Good to hear from you. Those vultures are everywhere sadly. I do hope you are making a good recovery. Sending you a hug from across the pond.

Chris