She stands her ground - <br />magnificently. <br />Gone is the insignificant pea-hen <br />with head bowed. <br />In her stead, a terrifying Brunhilde <br />fiercely flaunts her feathered shield. <br /> <br />Her armoured feet are placed in fourth position. <br />Her eyes stare intently at the ground. <br />She backs up, <br />step <br />by step - <br />as in a trance. <br /> <br />Suddenly she turns on the intruder, <br />feathers fanning furiously, <br />beak making a sharp clicking sound. <br /> <br />The little red wattle-bird <br />flits in and a out of the azaleas <br />enjoying his game of hide and seek. <br />Every now and then, <br />he sneaks <br />another morsel <br />of Brunhilde's feast. <br /> <br />The heroic shield-maiden <br />attacks again and again - <br />eyes focused hypnotically, <br />neck plumped to twice its size. <br /> <br />All at once, the drama is interrupted <br />by a black and white magpie <br />who swoops down beside her, <br />stands on one leg, <br />and chortles appreciatively - <br />like a Greek chorus.<br /><br />Alison Cassidy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/peacock-story-6-confrontation-witnessed-through-the-kitchen-window/
