Pyesong

Poemata XCVIII

So, I look at you / and you also look at me / maggie pye, go fly.

White-winged crow, I see you
 naught you do is hid;
  talk and sing and play--
   of you so soon I'll be rid;
If I see a second
 I might change my mind
  Watch it, maggie pie
   Some of my buckshot you'll find;
Some call birds an omen
 like a prophecy
  I'm a prophet too--
   Fate is not like destiny;
If the pye does bother
 I'll rewrite the text
  Zero birds is best
   If but by one bird you're vexed;
Leave our apples be
 this message will I send
  If you dare to curse
   You'll find you're cursed in the end;
Little imitator
 and pie-bald margaret;
  Affable and gay
   Thieving old scab in my net;
Many jobs you have
 or so you like to claim
  Steal my children's bread?
   None will remember your name;
One magpie for sadness*
 two magpies for joy;
  three is for a girl
   four must we count for a boy;
Five magpies for silver
 six magpies for gold
  seven for your name
   Never again to be told.

Author’s note: “One for Sorrow”, Nursery rhyme based on English folklore.