Among the long grass where the blades
of spent daffodils complete their
cycle, the cock and pleasant hen
play hide and strut. She, camouflaged,
coy, focusing on gathering
food. He, territorial, in
blazing colours, demonstrably
alert – becoming distracted.
Agitated by the passing
footfall, seeks to warn the object
of his desire. She continues
coy and camouflaged, safe, while he
runs red and shining green, blazing
a russet trail with leaping strides
into the deep cover of wild
river’s edge tangle, where he too
disappears into the background.