The Shortest Day

On my daily walk despite the wind and rain
Upon the winter solstice, posture on the brain
Found a little bird frozen on the lane
Something in my nature desired to keep it safe
I took it in my hands, found it very tame
It started to return to life again
It gently pecked my skin but did not fly away

I brought it home and called the RSPCA
But when it started chirping I thought it was okay
I bought the proper food and a bigger cage
They said I'd be refunded if anyone reclaimed
We hung out in my room, had a little play
Not my usual solitary way
I told myself oh well, I guess it's here to stay

I called it Santa after Steerpike's pet
With letters rearranged
It seemed a fitting name
Ba da da da da
It called me nothing
But I figured that in time it might be trained
To call me James

When I got home that night from seeing Davy Cakes
Everything was silent, and on the base it lay
I wrapped it in a towel, dug a little grave
Right behind the plum tree due to bloom in May
Took the cage straight back, didn't have to pay
To summarise it all one could just say
I found the brightest light on the shortest day