HENRY

Henry wears his golden crown With proud defiance, A gleeful twinkle in his eye. He chases the usurper from his throne, The iron gate of an old verandah, His newly claimed empire. Henry has all he needs ~ From orphan to emperor, From fledgling to adult, He waits for acknowledgment From his subjects. Did I say "subjects"? His only one is me ~ Easily won, taken by his charms. A few sunflower seeds are all I pay In tithe to this monarch. He nods his head a few times ~ Gracious ~ then fluffs his feathers And eats the offering, While I watch, enthralled. His kindred are not so kind. Jealous, they watch from treetops, Wreaking havoc, glaring with baneful eye, Ever ready to cheat Henry from his prize. I am his champion, Defending his small kingdom From interlopers ~ they shriek, Vowing revenge. Unperturbed, Henry enjoys his feast. Inge Meldgaard 2014