I had a problem with sleeping last night;
It was not the wind that gave me the fright;
It was a strange horrible rasping noise,
A rubbing of twigs together or wooden toys.
It started in the evening and contined in the dark;
Could not even hear the shepherd's dog bark.
This morning it echoed hidden in the nettles;
The yellow flag was even curling its petals.
I have chased it and loudly clapped my hands,
This unsighted irritant, no one knows where it lands.
Must be a bird of huge dimensions;
A call like that cannot have good intentions.
Now I know why some stronger than I have turned to drink;
The visit here for peace and quiet has made me think.
Shall I go out and find this menace; with one shot
I am sure, it will be good for the cooking pot.
There are some around who will let it be their master
But this beautiful island cannot take the unmelodious disaster.
Stamp it out now for it is the thin edge of the wedge
Or like sheep we will all be jumping over the ledge.