minor adaptation

mynah birds are clever little critters
survivors able to adapt
to inner city and suburban conditions
I heard they are good mimics
within the urban situation
often startling in renditions
of other birds and city sounds
but they know their limits
and won’t be drawn to the point
of adaptive foolishness
mistrustful of excessive assimilation

though seeming aware of the rules
the yellow beaked babbler sped
from jaunty walk to ungainly run
finally flying from the centre point
rightly assuming that right of way
for a mynah on a zebra crossing
may not yet be recognised by all

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© Frank Prem, 2001

30/12/17