The Pigeon Police (Poetry)

For “Mr Coo-coo” — a feral pigeon who regularly sings while
on duty patrolling our window ledge

Back and forth along the sill
he struts and proudly puffs his chest
and guards the seed from rival birds
who give him little peace or rest

They try to land — he sees them off —
his feral nature makes full claim
to every grain upon the ledge
he is the law — this feather-brain

Each time he stops to feed awhile
a thief comes creeping at his back
some starling or a blackbird tries
to take advantage — grab a snack

Outraged he turns and pecks and flaps
’til miscreants give up and flee
then taking up his post once more
he struts and coos self-righteously