Magpies

faith rhymed verse joyful

Magpies - meaning Summary

Nature's Thankful Song

Judith Wright's Magpies compares the birds to genteel men, noting their composed appearance and sudden, competitive feeding. The poem contrasts brief, greedy behavior with enduring, graceful song. It suggests that magpies are instinctively equipped to express sustained gratitude, while human decorum masks more transitory impulses. Ultimately the poem praises the birds' authentic joy and the gift of their vocal thanks.

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Along the road the magpies walk with hands in pockets, left and right. They tilt their heads, and stroll and talk. In their well-fitted black and white. They look like certain gentlemen who seem most nonchalant and wise until their meal is served - and then what clashing beaks, what greedy eyes! But not one man that I have heard throws back his head in such a song of grace and praise - no man nor bird. Their greed is brief; their joy is long. For each is born with such a throat as thanks his God with every note.