A Fiscal Shrike Poem by Adrian Flett

Many people I know dislike
the courageous, fearless fiscal shrike.
With small talons and hooked bill
he'll tackle, fight and kill
beetles, hoppers, worms small birds.
This bird's nature seems uncurbed,
he hangs prey out on the fence
returns to eat without pretence.

People in reserves stop their cars to see
leopards drag antelope up a tree.
They watch lions in a pride
descend and devour their prize.
While raptors dive and in one strike
drive talons into doves or the like.
A pride will kill with blood and gore,
but let my shrike, with muted beak and claw,
make attempts to kill his quarry
it'll raise ire and shouts of bully.

08/02/2019