Mischievous Maddy

Mischievous Maddy
Called Mathew, his mate
"I can't come", he replied
As I must not be home late

Maddy clutched him firmly
By his wing
Then pulled him gently
Up onto the neighbours swing.

Mathew said feebly
This is our neighbours clothes line
We are not meant to be here
Especially at day time.

All of a sudden
There was a strange sound
And two wee owls
Found themselves on the ground

By now all the washing
Was lying in the mud
Even the post came down
With a mighty thud.

Into the Garden Grove
They both ran in fright
They dust bathed in the seed beds
To make matters worse,that night

Maddy's sister next morning
Was late for school
"Whose hidden my pencil case?
Mathew you know the rules

Why are you being naughty
You know how we've been taught...
Why do the opposite?...
So Manu Morepork was sought

He was shown photographs
Of the clothes in the mud
And the ruined seed beds
And the post that fell with a great thud.

His neighbours were upset
So they recorded what they'd done
Manu spoke quietly
"Being naughty, was that fun?

Why use your giftings
To bring those who love you pain".
The maid tied up Maddy's wings
"For one week, like this you will remain".

Walk to school... Walk in the rain?
Walk everywhere?.... He kept saying over and over again.

How can a wee bird
Live bound to the ground
He was late for school every day
So his teacher found
Heaps of work
For him to do after school
In his very fatigued state
He cried, "I will now keep the rules"

...On the next Saturday
Was the great festival and fair
All the village people
And absolutely everyone would be there

Maddy of course
Had to walk all night and all day
It took him twenty-four hours
To go such a long way.

And because he arrived late
The fair was now closing
Mathew found him wearily
Under the old tree dozing

You look so exhausted
How will you get home?
Look at my wings he wailed
Because they’re tied, I am all on my own

...Maddy missed another supper
Went straight to bed
Now only good thoughts
Were going through his head

I will tell Manu
I have chosen to do good
For all of my life
I will now do what I should

I will never again
Lead another astray
Maybe Manu has The Power
To free me for always.

So one little bird
Sat at the old owls feet
Eating berries and worms
And many other treats

Totally teachable
Happy and free
Why because
Right choices he makes, daily.

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