‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the flights,
Not a bird was stirring since I turned off the lights.
Clean dishes were stacked by the freezer with care.
In the morning they would be filled with fresh, healthy fare.
The birds were all fed and put out to play,
Now everyone was settled – I was done for the day.
When down from the basement there arose such a clatter
That I ran for the stairs to see what was the matter.
I raced down the steps and turned on the light,
Glancing first to the left and then to the right.
It was then that I noticed the now empty spot,
In the cage where the cockatoos should be but were not!
“The goffins are missing!” I yelled to my spouse,
While I shuddered to think what they would do to the house.
My fears were well founded I soon came to know,
As I surveyed the destruction of the bird room below.
Feed doors had been opened, the dishes all tossed.
Bags were ripped open, their contents all lost.
The marauders unfastened from the cage top each toy,
Which they tossed at the occupants below with such joy.
The other birds sulked as they viewed the whole mess,
This cockatoo duo had created such stress!
I search through the room, my frustration profound,
Those two fiendish beasts simply weren’t to be found!
It was then that I noticed that Cato was staring.
As his eyes flashed with anger, I saw he was glaring
Towards the side of the room at an overturned pail.
I followed his gaze and saw a flash of white tail!
Holding my breath as I approached with great care,
Was it possible both could be hiding in there?
I snatched up the bucket, the villains were exposed,
They knew they were busted and for a second they froze.
Then the cockatoo shriek and scrambling of feet,
They raced for their cage in hasty retreat.
I slammed the door shut as I trembled with rage,
“Don’t you two ever, EVER come out of that cage!”
They stared at me smugly, cheeks puffed with contentment,
Their mission accomplished they ignored my resentment.
“I’ll clean up tomorrow.” I said aloud with a sigh.
As I walked toward the steps, one ‘too said “Bye bye.”
As I turned with a grin I felt suddenly calm,
Their sweet little voices could be such a balm.
For along with their mischief they brought love and fun,
It was hard to stay angry despite what they’d done.
My jangled nerves and life’s hectic pace
Had made me forget what was right in my face.
I didn’t need gifts, fancy stuff from the store.
I had all I needed, my birds, and much more!
My dear friends and family, my health and my spouse,
Everything that mattered was here in this house.
So Santa I thank you, but I don’t need a lot,
I’m learning to be grateful for all that I’ve got.
If you come down my chimney to leave something new,
Just leave me some padlocks so I can lock up the ‘toos!

How many years has it been now?

Honestly I look forward to this. And yeah, how many years?

Bravo! Bravo! This is the first time I have seen this.

As a Cockatoo owner, I can attest this poem is spot-on accurate!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

At least 10 years now!

Well the night time peace has been broken by Iris and Flakey now...

Pippin says Merry Christmas!