Feathery Deception

Smokey and Whiskers,
Two frisky young kittens,
Were out and engaged
In serious cat-mischief.

Not a care, not a woe,
Then what should stop them?
Dinner... still chirping,
Perched on the cottonwood.

"It's a robin,"
Smokey purred and sighed.
"Ummm, they're so plump and juicy,
My mouth waters with delight!"

"Stay put!" Whiskers warned,
"I think it's a bluejay!"
And they stared into space
With round pancake eyes.

"He'll kill us for sure!"
They trembled and squealed.
"But wait," whispered Smokey,
"Sounds to me like a finch."

Yummy! they grinned
Licking their chops,
Then suddenly, stopped
Dead on their tracks.

The chirping had changed
To song, tender and sweet.
They exhanged mutual glances
In shocking disbelief.

"A canary?"
They wondered,
"Nahhh!" they agreed.
"Those live in a cage."

Unnoticed,
And deviously amused,
A crow was watching
The feline exchange.

"You idiots!" he boasted,
And laughed his head off.
He laughed, and squawked
And he rolled to the ground.

Holding on to his belly,
He hollered and roared:
"You cats think you're smart?
Rest assured, you're not!

"Whatcha laughing 'bout old crow?"
Asked the incredulous cats,
"Come join us for dinner,
Step right into our bowl!"

"Ahhhh! you wish," grinned Mr. Crow.
"That, by the way," he pointed to the sky,
"Was only a mockingbird, fools,
Enjoying your debate!"

"And there flies your din-din
Quickly, and smoothly, away,
And woooops! My... my...
All gone!"

Carmen Ruggero .2002 - 2003