THE TUI
As Black as the night, with a chin tuft of white
He swoops, then he dives like a dart
Wings shimmer green in the flash of the sun
In subtle sartorial charm
He streaks through the trees to a high vantage point
Searching skyward with dark piercing eyes
He sings with a chortle and trill so divine
That other birds silence their song
He flicks around flowers with agility and speed
Acrobatic displays on the wing
His long curvy beak probes for nectary tastes
Joyous drunk on the flowering bounty
Should another bold Tui encroach on his space
He springs forth with a threatening cry
Then spans out his wings in a challenging stance
Ever bold as the fearless defender
Lunging at the intruder at lightning speed
He thrusts and he dives to the end
When the battle is won he’s still king of the land
Dauntless champion of his domain
He swoops, then he dives like a dart
Wings shimmer green in the flash of the sun
In subtle sartorial charm
He streaks through the trees to a high vantage point
Searching skyward with dark piercing eyes
He sings with a chortle and trill so divine
That other birds silence their song
He flicks around flowers with agility and speed
Acrobatic displays on the wing
His long curvy beak probes for nectary tastes
Joyous drunk on the flowering bounty
Should another bold Tui encroach on his space
He springs forth with a threatening cry
Then spans out his wings in a challenging stance
Ever bold as the fearless defender
Lunging at the intruder at lightning speed
He thrusts and he dives to the end
When the battle is won he’s still king of the land
Dauntless champion of his domain