Moses, born at the waterside,
but reared at home, was heard
and seen over gardens glide -
a lovely, loving bird!
Crooning perched beside my head
would fondly preen my lash;
or flutter on my father's tread
his wings a blue-white flash.
He loved to throw the spoons or knives
for fun, across the floors,
and make some sudden foolish dives
at windows - as open doors.'
He also loved forbidden fruit
that grew in alien ground:
police were called to judge the suit
but laughing, hedged around.
Though whistled, failed to home one night,
but hushed and cold he lay,
a happy life for human spite -
my sweet, my pretty jay.
E. Morgan