Thereby Hangs A Tail (Poetry)

First to the table
the squirrel tucks in
keen to dine alone
sees off a robin
will not let him share

A fellow squirrel
tries to join the feast
but is chased away
by this testy beast
signalling ‘Beware!’

with a twitching tail
and a warning grunt
stands his ground — repels
all who cause affront
try to steal his fare

Although there’s plenty
instinct commandeers
then one insolent
bold magpie appears
brave enough to dare ...

Cocksure he lunges
with accurate beak
gives that mean squirrel’s
proud tail a hard tweak
then takes to the air