The 2nd Parakeet

 

I had a beautiful parakeet

when I was a child

One day, its foolish feathers failed to shine

and was found in the sawdust at

the bottom of the cage

Wise Mother

Knowing the upset this would cause

rushed out to the store for a replacement

and picked the perfect imposter

coloured plumes in symmetry

copycat curve to the beak

and inquisitive shine to the eyes

And yet despite her efforts in

securing the doppelganger

I knew it wasn’t the same pet

And that is why

I had to kill that one as well