One of the best budgerigars we ever had
Would land on the bridge of Dad’s spectacles
And look at the upside down reflection
Of itself in the polish of the lens. Hello?
The same Billy
Would walk across the carpet
To where the dog was lying, dozing
And peck her cold dog nose.
He would come to my finger occasionally
Land in a flutter. Consider me, oddly
Before deciding
There was no use for me
I was going to Grammar School
The first family member
It’s easy to forget how a budgerigar
Witnessed the murder of Eddie Evans
With an axe (hefted like a Saxon)
They found blood (and other bits)
In the cage
on the bars, on the wings
.
Steven Taylor
.