The Parrot

Southland Times, Issue 24598, 21 November 1941, Page 2

The Parrot

—PRIZE— I went to see a friend one day, i But found that she had gone away, J And then I heard a funny voice k Say perkily, “Good morning, Joyce.’’ ) I looked me up, I looked me down, I looked around with puzzled frown, But not a soul in sight I saw, Till finally through open door, I saw to my profound surprise A parrot, who with bright green eyes Was looking cheekily at me With unveiled curiosity. We had a very pleasant chat, He tried to tell me this and that About his journey thro’ the air And how he managed to be here. His feathers were of brightest green The loveliest shade I’d ever seen, And when we parted company, He wanted to come home with me. And then I found a message there Tucked ’neath his wing I do declare, And on it were the words “Dear Joan, This parrot is your very own!” —Prize of 1/- to Cousin May Cam-" eron (12), Glenlapa, Wendonside R.D., Gore. —PRIZE— The parrot is a common pet, Of colours bright and gay, He hardly ever sings a note, But talks and talks all day. His language is a little strange, Sometimes rather queer, He’ll talk in an insulting tone, When company does appear. The parrot does not like the cat, He’ll peck at it and squawk, I’m sure the cat would eat him up, If the parrot couldn’t talk. —Prize of 1/- to Cousin Audrey Sheed, A.C. (15), Terrace Hill, Mandeville. —HIGHLY COMMENDED— There’s a cage hanging in the hall And sometimes I hear a call Saying “Let me out, I won’t go away But stay nearby and play.” It is the parrot, my very own And I know he won’t leave home,

So I let him out and watch him play Until I am quite sure he’ll stay. One day when all was quiet and still He tapped on the wires with his bill And said “Anyone at home?” In a clear shrill tone. My parrot is kind and polite, If anyone comes in at night, When we are out, he simply says, “I’m sorry, But come another day.” —2 marks to Cousin Eveline Coster A.C. (14), Gummies Bush R.D. —HIGHLY COMMENDED— At home we have a cheeky parrot, His name is Cheeky Tim. He gives cheek to everyone, Who comes to look at him. He is kept in a tiny cage, All of his very own,

And isn’t very silent, When left all alone.

We have taught him to use his manners And when we give him food, He always says, “Thank you,” Like a good parrot should. —2 marks to Cousin Meria Clark A.C. (11), Fairfax. —HIGHLY COMMENDED— We had a talking parrot, Whose name was Pretty Joe. He liked to be cheeky To people he didn’t know. We taught him almost everything That you’d expect him to know. A very tame parrot Was our Pretty Joe. —2 marks to Cousin Shirley Prentice (9), Fairfax. —HIGHLY COMMENDED— I wish I had a parrot, One that could whistle and talk, At night when I come home from school, I’d take it for a walk. I’d teach it to say “Pretty Polly,” And perhaps, “Hullo! how are you?” And I would make it climb up ladders, And say, “Can you do this too?” —2 marks to Cousin Betty McNoe V.A.C. (9), Heddon Bush R.D., Winton.