The Condor

Truman Capote

Like the mighty Condor,

    It's vulture wings

Against a copper sky.

I have waited and watched

For my prey!

My victim is immortality-

To be something and be remembered-

Is that not, too, your idle dream?

For in remembrance we hold life itself

Cupped tenderly in aged hands.

    You say-"He's a fool and a dreamer."

I laugh, and let my laughter,

Like a bright and terrible knife

Go tearing through your hearts!

For you know and I know,

No matter how young, how old,

We are only waiting,

Waiting to see our names in

            Scriptures
of stone.

So it is today and so it will be

            tomorrow!