For Poppy, Rose, Ruby and Bonnie.
I want to be a seagull,
A seagull by the sea.
I’d eat discarded fish and chips
And happy I would be.
Much easier than catching sprats
Much tastier than brill
I’d feast upon the batter
Until I’d had my fill.
The local bylaws ban it,
The fine’s a million quid
But still some kindly tourist
Would drop some chips, if bid.
I’d squawk around their ear holes,
Dive-bomb and buzz their dish
I’d generate some panic
Then fly off with their fish!
Or maybe I could be a pigeon
By the boating lake
I’d strut and pose for tourists
When photographs they take.
The little children sail their boats
While parents enjoy a nap
I’d mount their heads so quietly
And there I’d take a c**p.
A good role model might be ‘Snooks’
Atop his concrete plinth
I’d get the latest knitwear
And never move an inch.
I’d have to sit so very still
There’s many pros and cons
I’m out there in all weathers
Good job I’m made of bronze!
By: Peter Hughes
