BIRD BANTER
In the front garden earlier to day
Birds were gathered on their way,
I thought, to far off distant lands
Gathering together in happy bands.

Among the many sparrows there
I saw red wing blackbirds share
The feast of seeds we put out,
Each a yearling without a doubt.

All the friendly little sparrows,
Wanted to ease the sorrows
Of those much larger birds,
This is the banter that I heard.

“I am Charlie, this is Mary and Bill,
Your relatives went early with a will,
You must be the northern group,
Some much needed food to scoop.”

“We young don’t know where to go,
We came from the north where snow
Is already falling, we could stay here,
How’s the weather? We’d freeze I fear.”

“We know the way this is our forth time,
We’ll show you the way to a warmer clime,
But we can stay here another week or two,
A good weather forecast has come through.”

This bird banter went on for quite awhile
And as I watched and listened I gave a smile,
For then the crackles told them to stick it out,
Called them all chicken as loud they did shout.

The birds feeders we keep filled to the top,
So many a migrating bird may feed and stop
And take a rest on the long journey away,
And also keep happy those who stay

(Millicent) Ann Margetson October 17, 2003