MAGPIES

Along the road the magpies walk
with hands in pockets, left and right. 
They tilt their heads, and stroll and talk. 
In their well-fitted black and white

they look like certain gentlemen 
who seem most nonchalant and wise 
until their meal is served - and then 
what clashing beaks, what greedy eyes! 

But not one man that I have heard 
throws back his head in such a song
of grace and praise -- - no man nor bird. 
Their greed is brief; their joy is long. 
For each is born with such a throat
as thanks his God with every note. 

	JUDITH WRIGHT