Magpie's Friend

• Marilee Rixon
• Poetry
• 2008

Perched there, upon his back
The magpies talons dig in,
Penetrating both blanket and hide
For she is the loyal guardian of
The blanket-covered mass
That was once her friend.

Rotting flesh
Attracts flies in their thousands,
And ants in millions
Appearing from nowhere
Undisturbed by the heat of the day.

Magpie tries her hardest
To chase them all away,
Make them leave her friend in peace,
But she is overcome by their united mass and might.

Away she flies,
Disgusted by their greed and filth,
Unable to bear the ugly sight.