THE PARROT

by

Susie Stewart

(Glasgow)

Could you look after my parrot?

I've got to dash off to Peru

I've just had a message from Lima

My husband's come down with the flu

He won't be much trouble - the parrot I mean -

He eats beans on toast and drinks gin

His habits are dainty, he's ever so sweet

And his feathers are neat as a pin

He likes to fly free from his cage when he can

And perch at the top of the stair

I hope you can manage to keep him content

If not, he is likely to swear

His language is shameful, He used to belong

To a woman of doubtful repute

When the Minister called, he was simply appalled

And spilt tea down his clerical suit

But he is a good bird I'm sure you will find

As he snuggles up close in the bed

His beak is quite sharp, if you turn in the dark

It can sometimes connect with your head

Could you look after my parrot

Until I get back from Peru

When you go to Paris for Christmas

I promise I'll have your gnu

Susie Stewart lives in a village just south of Glasgow with her family and two large dogs. She worked as a writer/editor in the medical field and enjoys creative writing, reading, gardening and playing bridge.