By now you may be noticing themes in my nature sonnets and verses: for instance, nature's variety, and that every creature has a place and a role. Here is one of the villains!

MAGPIES

Navy and white, so smart and grand,
You strut, correct and stately.
The shining blues that glow as you stand
Flash like an emperor’s livery.

The spread of your stripes as you leave the ground
Is breath-taking with its pattern.
As you swoop through the trees, or circle around,
No camouflage for you! Bold villain!

Traitor in evening dress! Badge of fear!
Your voice betrays your nature:
Raucous clatter, painful to hear;
Drumming noise threatens every creature.

Few little birds in our gardens now,
And the gardeners blame the magpies,
Plundering and robbing on every bough;
Terror to all that flies.

Yet, alone, I saw you, on a speeding road
Pick your way through the traffic
To clean up a cadaver. Cars never slowed.
You stepped, level-headed, no panic.

Reliable, obstinate, back and forth
To finish the chore that’s your nature:
Clean up the offal, and show us your worth:
The niche that belongs to each creature;

So, brush off your uniform. Wear it with pride!
-- Though your rattle sets my teeth on edge –
No camouflage! No need to hide!
The ‘cleansing operative’ of the hedge.