Bitonal bird sits on a fence
preens sleek black and white feathers
Magpie chorus heralds
the close of the day
sun going down and
the changing of the guard
Day shift of birds
and all the sunlight creatures
return to their nests
while the night dwellers emerge
Possums get restive
run across the roof tops
Flying foxes are ready to glide
and forage among the fruit trees
But people keep moving day and night
loud and long we sing our song
Far too smart to pay attention
to the natural rhythm of things
Maybe we should stop and listen
when the magpie sings to the setting sun
and remember all things need to rest.
Below is an audio recording of an Australian magpie song.
