The Story Of Jon Robin

       
     
Can't be sure how      
he came to be 'Jon Robin'      
I can tell you;        
two sisters baptised him  
       
An artistically coloured, feathered friend    
in pastel shades of yellow      
with hues of orange;      
His beak is a bright red      
       
Jon Robin sings merry songs        
of bird whistles      
late into the night      
(sometimes even at midnight)      
He compliments        
our little family;      
waking us on summer mornings        
to a feather flutter        
and a short flight        
       
He does get angry!    
As he did last Christmas        
       
When on the eve        
of the twenty-fourth,      
I bought him a new        
wooden ladder      
perch      
and a mirror        
for his cage        
       
I did as Dad's do        
gave his home a mighty wash        
filling it    
with new things that sparkled        
       
Disposed of what        
I considered to be      
"the old junk"      
Watched        
as garbage collectors        
rode off with Jon Robins' old life        
       
He kicked a fit at his new perch,      
screamed and stared      
at the colourful ladder,      
he even attacked        
the clean mirror        
with a bell for good measure      
       
He sat in the corner of that cage        
sulking        
refusing to sing      
Jon Robin hasn't taken time        
to wake us      
one morning this week      
       
This New Year's Eve        
At the end of 2016,      
as I prepare for 2017      
my biggest regret is        
doing what Dad's do        
for Jon Robin        
       
       
Because        
sometimes he gets angry!      
       
       
-x-