Wattlebird as poet,

declaims from leafy balcony,

to perceived audience,

which is just me,

far as I can see but

bard has my attention.

Wattlebird has conviction,

says what only it can say

to a dozy world in need

of an unwelcome alarm.

Wattlebird keeps lookout,

may look nervous but won’t

be eaten by murderous cat.

No garish parrot, wattlebird

wants to be heard not seen,

blends with bark and branch.

Wattlebird has a map leading

to sweet honey but its song

is acid to the ear,

so jarring to hear.