So inspiration struck...

I was working outside for a few hours today and the local wildlife took an intrest in me in the hope of food. Needless to say I didn't really get much work done!

For the birds…

I.
Butcher bird, ruffled and fluffed,
Patrolling piebald plumage
Puffed with beaked determination,
Perched, perchance, before me.

Keenly watch with dewy dark eye,
Head inclined; steady gaze betrays
Staged nonchalance, and your
Dismayed discovery of mine.

Black bibbed marauder brightly
Begging, what worth the bother
With grubs: be grateful and charm
With chirrups and glistened gaze.



II.
Bold as you please, the maggie hops
Upon my working table, stops
To peck at scattered crumbs, then goes
A-clacking on his scaly toes
Across my papers strewn about,
Unconcerned with human clout;

Struts as though he owns the place,
Eyebrows etched on blackened face;
Stops and turns to ponder me,
Bright-eyed with curiosity,
Warbles his melodic song,
Leaves a gift, then he’s gone.