Magpie

feed the kittens in the kitchen.
set food out for the strays.
try hard to do your best.
the magpie will have his way.

fill your mouth with berries
by the full light of the moon.
work all night if you have to.
the magpie comes at noon.

shore up the crucifixes
above the archways and the doors.
the magpie will come at midday.
and you will go down on all fours.

and when the cherries white with blossoms
be ready and be brave.
and remember what we had here
when there was something left to save