The Superb Fairy Wren

A Superb Fairy Wren perched on a twig

The Superb Fairy Wren - a poem by Antony Fawcus

It's time to shed my drab brown coat!

To win a mate, I need some flair!

I'll don a cap of brilliant blue,

A mantle made to match, and wear

A mask of black to patch the eye

Of Scaramouche, the debonair!

My pencil tail erectly stands;

I strut to show I have no fear;

To add panache, I call Prrp! Prrp!

To challenge rival males who dare.

They call me Fairy Wren in jest,

But there was never wren more fair!

Good God! What upstart wretch is this

Who ponces in the looking glass?

I'll have at him and drive him off

And send him packing. Silly arse!

The bounder apes my every move!

What cheek! Tsee! No more this farce!

He flapped his wings and launched attack

In reckless flight, ferociously.

He threw himself against the glass

With battle cry: Tsee! Tsee!

His mimic flew with equal force,

And hit as hard, but silently.

The battle raged for half an hour;

Our six-inch hero showed no fear.

A mate looked on and fancied him;

Aroused, she fluttered round to share

Our hero's nest. "Not now," he peeped,

"I have an aching head, my dear!"