The dawn variety show commences,
opening with a magpie solo,
followed by the crows’ comedy routine
at which the kookaburras laugh heartily.
Next it is wattle birds turn.
He takes the stage with confidence
but mutters through his book review,
only raising his voice to call clearly
“Nabakov! Nabakov!” and depart in indignation
at the ignorant chattering of the finches.
They chatter too through magpies next song,
but currawong’s call for an encore
– seconded by raucous cockatoo –
is gracefully acquiesced to.
And thus the show concludes,
and the day begins.
anotherKate 