It is said that the magpie
Steals shiny trinkets. I
Am left pondering on why
At a single shot from Cupid’s bow
Some men go
Quite mad and embrace
The silk and lace
Of the lady Charlotte
Who, in her scarlet
Dress
Has led the fool and the sage
(In every age)
To confess.
Ere they return again,
To their pain
And Charlotte’s gain.
I have found many things:
Rings,
A hairband,
(Even a shoe of the high-heeled kind
I did find).
Yet still I do not understand
And often ask myself why?
For I
Am no magpie.
As I walked my guide dog, Trigger this morning, in The LawnsI heard the familiar chatter of a magpie, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXoTUS5I_ks. I am fortunate in living close to The Lawns, historic parkland in Upper Norwood which attracts a wide variety of wildlife. Sometimes in the wee small hours I hear the sharp bark of a fox or the mournful hooting of an owl as he prowls? (can an owl prowl, probably not)! In search of his prey.
Upper Norwood is, as it’s name suggests high above sea level. When going into central London for work I certainly notice the difference in the air quality, Upper Norwood being far less polluted than London itself.
(There is an interesting entry on The Lawns here http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=CRO040).
K Morris - Poet 