The Parrot

In this God-fearing house,

words never before spoken,

F words,

lewd,

misogynist,

screeched from the mouth of

the parrot in the kitchen.

 

An elderly woman lives alone,

enjoys the company of the bird.

Bakes cakes for Sunday tea.

The family arrive smartly dressed.

Neat little sandwiches,

scones and jam,

the teapot warms.

 

Curses and sexist comments

from behind the kitchen door.

Mother speaks loudly to

drown out the sound.

Children should not hear.

 

As they gather up coats and scarves,

the parents exchange a glance,

then snigger,

uncontrollably laughing

as they wave from their car.

 

 

 

CP October 2013