Handsome he sits, chained to a metal tree,
Claws curled, insouciant in blue and scarlet,
Like a comet's tail, each pinion a thrusting rocket,
Handsome and silent, his eyes are grapes in wrinkled mud.
Catatonic and alone
In his ruined temple, creeper overgrown,
Secretly stalking the wizard of this tragic hex.
Sometimes he sets out to curse and vex,
Sometimes his wings lash out,
Puts out his throat to scream,
Rattling his chains, a madman in a padded cell.
And then the landlord scolds him well.
So, people leave the Jolly Sailor up on Maldon Hythe
Leaving the parrot, alone, to blink and writhe.
1981