Who's Who in the Pecking Order?

A magpie with a beady eye

alighted from a nearby tree,

to strut upon my wood-stain deck

then stood there rudely, ogling me.

He blankly stared, so I stared back,

a lack of manners on his part.

He found the cat bowl biscuit filled

and took his chance to make a start.

I sat there with my breakfast tea

intimidated by his size.

As all the folklore flooded back,

my hand rose up to shield my eyes.

And much to my surprise I saw

his mate had joined him for the treat,

three feet away they peck, peck, pecked

enjoying what the cat would eat.

A twinge of mischief caught my thought,

what would our feline think of that?

No sooner thought then out he walked,

still sleepy from his inside nap.

He took a glance, turned clean away

to let the magpies have their way.

Reviews

[Eilis]

This is a problem we have with squirrels where I am. They take no notice of humans and just go about their pillaging way. I went through a dozen bird feeders before I found one that could keep them out. All the others ended up on the ground where they threw them so they could gorge themselves on the seed.

Nature is mysterious. Some animals we want to get to know and they shun our attention. Others we’d prefer to offer a wide berth and they continually insert themselves in our lives. I wish a hummingbird would perch on my deck railing and let me examine him a bit, but alas he just flits on.

I really enjoyed the rhythm of your poem. And the story. It’s a nice mix of whimsy and philosophy.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Eilis for your response. Very much appreciated.

Chris

[Carol Cashes]

Should some enterprising publisher ever collect new and more relevant to our era Nursery Rhymes...then this little piece has a confirmed spot.

Magpies are onnery, aren't they? I wouldn't press the issue, 'specially if that sucker was that bold and could potentially out "thousand-yard" stare me. Hmmph...

[Chris Shaw]

I don't know about onnery Carol. I find them bloomin menacing. Not fond of the crow family but love most others of the feathered variety. Thanks for your compliment, appreciated.

Chris

[Tom]

They sure are intrusive blighters, opportunists always watching, waiting for their moment of glory, still, can't help but admire their wit, guile and craft!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for your visit Tom. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Jade]

I really enjoyed this write, it's light hearted, and fun.
very nicely crafted and written

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Brandie Jade. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I love this! You've word-painted us right into your everyday morning existence & it looks alot like mine! I have strawberry plants on my back deck & I always ask the dogs why they can't shoo away the blue jays that peck at the plump almost-ripe berries!?!?!? Damn lazy pets. Not keeping up their end of the deal! Love your rhyme & playful rhythm (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

So pleased you enjoyed this one Margie. I love looking at creatures and the way they behave. Good material for writers :)

Chris

[NotUsinganymore]

Very amusing poem. It was a fun and good poem!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. Pleased you found my lines fun. It wS certainly fun watching those magpies and my old cat.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

Your cat knows, he will get a fresh bowl of snacks, and getting into a scuffle with the birds is such a messy thing and he didn't want to get his fur dirty.
Poems about urban wild life are always pleasant and you know exactly how to depict the scenario, C! You shared a wonderful experience through a lovely poem .

[Chris Shaw]

What a lovely thoughtful review from you M. Your visits are always very much appreciated. All good wishes.

Chris

[Crowley]

Haaa....magpies are some clever birds and hard to catch. Maybe the cat had tried before!!! I loved this, I have a few magpie stories of my own!!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Crowley. Magpies are a good subject to write about. Pleased to hear you enjoyed the read. All the best.

Chris

[Robert Trakofler]

Lazy cat!!!!!! loved the rhythm and flow of this one! I must admit I have an affection for all corvids and i have been owned by a cat for a very long time. So I am a bit prejudiced but i enjoyed this one very much.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Bad bunny. I appreciate both your comments and your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Derekv]

Excellent poem, Chris. As always, your imagery is amazing, as are the scenes you create.

Keep up the good work!

-Derekv

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Derek. I owe you a visit.
Chris

[Lyn Anderson]

Ah, I love poems like this, true to life and then, truer to other things...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lyn. Good to hear you enjoyed my lines.

Chris