Vultures

 

To be scrutinized for what we say

—was what was said what we intended?

And was it really conscious choice,

or just something you invented?

It’s strange, those ready to believe

the worst in one who gives their best.

Perhaps this life is just a test.

And if a test, I doubt we’ll pass.

When our judgment comes at last 

and we sit before the throne

will we be judged by who we are

and all the good that we intoned?

Or by misspoken word or line

that followed us through space and time

as vultures that we’ve never met

sit inside their cozy homes

and through their window screens attempt

to cast their multitude of stones

and shatter lives they’ve never known.

 

© Ginny Brannan 2023