Magpie in the morning, you know well your task: turn amber eyes from left to right and fill them with the glory of early gathering light, and fill your ears with the ragtime rhythm of breaking waves on rocks below; then turn left again at last, and point your beak heavenwards, and with your wistful warbling, summon now that pearly golden morning.
Yes, that kind of bird could wake up earlier than most people. It is a good task that they have to do. I think of Matthew 6:26 sometimes while walking as a practical way of not feeling anxious or worried when I go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Thanks for your poetry about the bird.
Nice one, Peter. Always loved magpies. Once I started paying attention to birds in my local area, I was struck by how closely bird calls are associated with memories. The’ve been around, all this time, and I’ve noticed, even when I didn’t know it.