A buck is grazing

sweet fresh grass

in warm morning sun

a peaceful scene common

in the neighborhood

without warning, no sound, no signal

a flash of black and white

and on his back, a magpie sat

surveying the neatly manicured lawn

searching perhaps for breakfast

The buck didn’t react

or pause his repast

he was comfortable with

the unannounced guest

friends supporting each other

magpies need perches

to find their meals,

diving to pick up morsels,

hard to find in a fresh mown lawn

a friend helps solve the dilemma