The Cockatoo

(Mill Valley, 1985 - my daughter being six then)

In a house I know is a little bird
a yellow cockatoo -
it sings it chirps inside its cage
and mimics phrases too . . .
It stands up on its perch all day
or hops around and tweets;
such dear and happy notes it sings
and warbles words so sweet.
I wondered how it came to pass
that I should fall in love
with such a creature as this bird,
my ears so daily crave,
my palm to touch, my fingers stroke,
my lips to plant a kiss
upon that darling head so gently -
just one little kiss . . .
Then listening with different ear
I understood at once
the very 'semblance of this bird
to Rachael, at a glance.