A Scarecrow made of straw
Stands here, arms akimbo.
Carefully constructed,
Made to measure
To frighten the birds away.
A wise old rook
Cocked his head to one side
And cast a beady eye
On the straw man’s chest.
Then pulled out a piece of straw.
He flew to the rookery, fast,
Bearing the bounty to build a nest.
Soon many rooks came to explore
This treasure chest of straw.
The word spread fast among the flock.
Soon the handsome Scarecrow was no more,
Spread over the branches of the rookery.
He was part of a hundred nests
All raising families to feed
On the generous farmer’s fields.
There was just a sad shadow left
Of our magnificent fearsome friend,
A battered hat, an old pipe
A cross made out of wood
And flying away in the wind.
THE LAST STRAW.
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