I Should Have Been Happy in Your Conservatory

I Should Have Been Happy in Your Conservatory

I should have been happy in your conservatory.
The eye of the world would have regarded it as nice there.
Most things appeared to be in order..
Strict order like
The days of the week each in their place.
One exactly behind the other.

...There was the pale green bird there at the top..sharp- eyed
Usually on the look out for an opportunity..
Kindly to her own feathered circle..exclusive elsewhere.
And next, below..but in balance with her..
Sat the dark green bird..severe enough..
Detached , absorbed in her roosting.
The dual cockatoos with their plumage
Were determined , ambitious.
They were in cahoots..sang the same song.

I was without place.
A Cinderella bird..ruffled feathers
An untidy addition to the whole..
...there was no perch for me.
I was excluded for so long that
For sometime..I did not know it.

I should have been happy to be there at all..
The eye of the world would have thought it a lovely place.
But ..my die was cast
I was a reminder of something past..of something best forgotten.
I should have been happy in your conservatory
But I was not.

Kristine Byrne May 2013