The Adventures Of Katy, The Shee* (An Illegal Immigrant In America) Poem by Mary Naylor

Katy was an illegal immigrant,

Some 3 inches high. She tended to rant

When she angered. Ireland was her home

Until she developed an urge to roam.

She hid in a ship to the U.S.A.

Why? Who knows? Maybe she just liked to play.

She didn't like yards with dusty hedges,

She loved gardens and flowery ledges.

She found an old lady having trouble.

A vandal tore her garden to rubble.

He crushed her flowers and a tall lily.

Driving drunk in the night, willy-nilly.

The lady threw the flowers in the trash.

Katy thought, 'May he and his cycle crash! '

Suddenly her face broke into a smile.

She knew! This human she would beguile!

Her delicate wings beating the air,

Her bright red hair flying everywhere,

She whispered, 'This garden needs a birdbath.'

The lady said, 'This path needs a birdbath.'

She bought a plastic bath to save money.

Katy thought, 'Fill the base with sand, honey.'

The lady said, 'I'll fill this base with sand,

So it won't tip and fall down on the land.'

The old lady was tired, and she dozed.

At midnight, a terrible ruckus rose!

First there was a thump and then a sharp whap.

The vandal was yelling, and holding his lap!

Horrified, the old lady rushed to help.

Delighted, Katy thought, 'There, you drunken whelp! '

He untangled his cycle from the bath,

And, groaning, drove away, too weak for wrath.

Bewildered, the old lady fell asleep,

And dreamed of flowers and a fairy that speaks.

'My friend, I was so glad to lend a hand.

But I must leave, for I miss dear Ireland! '


*In ancient Ireland, fairies were referred to as The Shee