I.
friend, you are a swan.
handsome from far away, definitely.
but up close you're kind of a *****.
hissing and flapping
if anyone gets too close to your harem.

II.
friend, you are an owl.
your wide eyes straddle the wingspan
between wisdom and innocence.
you twist your head all the way round
to watch the goings on of your broodmates.

III.
friend, you are a crow.
leaving me shiny bits of music and poetry,
always considered an omen of doom.
but really you're friendly as a cat
with your sharp eyes and flapping bursts of energy.

IV.
friend, you are a canary.
i know this sounds like a disappointing thing to be,
but you were kept in the court of kings.
prized for your small song.
beware of the men that
will lower you into the mineshaft.

V.
friend, you are a hawk.
swooping down upon your prey
devouring it, and moving on.
think of it this way:
it's much more romantic
than being a vulture.

VI.
my flock, i will not keep you.
do not stay in your nests.
when the south calls to you,
leave me please.
i have enough of your feathers as is.