The Order of the Boots

The Order of the Boots

 

Blackbirds wear boots.

I think this should be known.

They’re issued with them

When they’re fully grown.

It is a rite of passage

From the nest.

A fledging out parade.

They’ve passed the test.

 

Our blackbird keeps his boots

So shiny clean

That they are very seldom

To be seen.

In fact, I never saw

A single pair.

It almost seems as though

They were not there.

 

 

But, come the summer,

Just past Wimbledon,

He sneaks behind a bush

And puts them on.

When strawberries ripen,

He strikes, with a whizz.

No boots on blackbirds?

Well, he sure fills his!

 

©Ruth Twyman Lockyer July 2013