a starling sat on the roof
(i don't know how young)
croaking in an old man's voice
cross with the dapper world

after five minutes or so
it flew away - its grouse over
it was like its feathers
rough and unperturbed

i don't suppose it was educated
the other birds ignored it
it was being raucous - yes
and probably obscene

it touched me to the heart
straight out of a tale
scruffy bugger metamorphosed
(too dirty with the truth)

it saw its grub somewhere
dived before others saw it
its harshness a distraction
the eyes stayed sharp