A

 

[A]

A is for Parrot which we can plainly see

K is for its Headdress perky and fair

O are its Eyes, they stare stare blink stare

C is for Beak munching mainly seed.

S is for Flight as they curve through the trees

V is for Feathers smooth from their trip

X is for Claws front two tear, back two grip

I is for Me first, not so much as please.

 

J is for Parrot which we can plainly see

E is its Song, shrill, chattery, raucous

Q is the Hollow in the tree where they nest.

U are Incomparable (we say) of gainly speed

A for Effort, florid colourful caucus,

Y is it So you always look your best?

Images of a sulphur-crested cockatoo and King parrots, both members of the order of Psittaciformes, at Wye River. Lines 1 and 9 of this sonnet come from one of my favourite alphabet poems, ‘Alphabet’ by John Lennon, written in February 1969.