Turkeys on Patrol

These ten fat turkeys
graze in the gray mist,
kicking up oak leaves,
eating ticks and worms.

Close to the old stone wall at the edge of the field,
they feel the safety of the land;
heavy as the hills.

These ten turkeys
shift and weave in a line
close as soldiers on patrol.
The snow and rain roll off their backs
oblivious to the coming storm
just over the next ridge
of a long winter.

Moving slow as monks
looking for wisdom,
these earthy warriors
click in garbled, low voices,

keep watch while they walk
together.