Two For Joy

Oh Look! Three magpies on the lawn!
but now just two, for one has gone.
my thanks go to the thoughtful third,
a generous and gracious bird
which realised it was de trop
and understood it had to go.
it counted round, then off it flew
to leave the magic number two.
i wonder what the joy will be
the birds have kindly brought for me.
No boy or girl, i'm past the age
when children featured, centre stage.
i'd like- it's sweeter far than honey,
a plentiful supply of money.

John Waddell