Nutmeg Mannikin Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

It isn't over until the fat lady roosts
Or the bear wakes
Or the bat salivates or excretes.


Domesticated and smaller-brained
We sing elaborate songs now
That we have learnt from troubadours.


And prone to over-eating
We poison ourselves with sugar
That to the bear would be a little something.


And the bat which became immune
Coping with the stress of flight
Now hosts a crucible of viral spells.


Trills and warbles, bright and varied
The society finches are easy care
Though less robust than the scaly-breasted.