It's an incongruous sight in an

unlikely location –

A pair of black vultures, ungainly

birds with unsavory reputations as

specters of death and scavengers of

road kill,

attentively watching over their

brood of two beige chicks on a

bed of wood chips in a secluded

corner of a rehab hospital patio.

What a display of tenderness and

pride as the parents take turns

folding their great wings over their

restless offspring and carefully

tuck, groom and feed them with

pincer-like beaks.

Patients, caregivers and visitors alike

are drawn to this nurturing spectacle

and reverently pause to observe this

new family in residence.

It's as if God swept down on great

black wings to bring hope and new

life.

Dick Beardsley

4/10/15