Delightful to watch the peahen and her chicks trot through the shrubbery, almost incognito.

THE PEACOCK’S FAMILY

Through the shrubbery, drab, between dry sticks,
Dull as a dowager, steps the quiet peahen.
Almost invisible, three scruffy chicks
Clamber in her wake, like fussy children.

The emperor’s family, yet no regal train
Nor fanfare of outriders clears their way:
A private journey, without fuss or strain:
Among the sheltering twigs no banners sway;

But royal blood will out! Dull plumage, yet
Each peachick flaunts a shimmering coronet.