Jane Yolen

The regal eagle sits alone upon a tree that serves as throne. But sometimes when the eagle flies (though this might come as some surprise) a mob of crows may—wing to wing— together drive away that king. Democracy in beak and claw finds regal eagle's fatal flaw. And is that legal? I don't know. You'll have to ask a mobster crow.

Oh, fly, you flew onto my leaf and not my food. What a relief! For on my food you'd bring me grief as you're a vector of disease. But you on leaf? My mind's at ease. And there is much to please my eye. For oh, you are a lovely fly. Just do not go and multiply.

Jack was quite nimble, Jack was quite quick, Jack gave the beanstalk A mighty big kick. Down came the giant— GIGANTIC fall— Bottoms up in a crater, Thus ending it all.

I am the Earth And the Earth is me. Each blade of grass, Each honey tree, Each bit of mud, And stick and stone Is blood and muscle, Skin and bone. And just as I Need every bit Of me to make My body fit, So Earth needs Grass and stone and tree And things that grow here Naturally. That’s why we Celebrate this day. That’s why across The world we say: As long as life, As dear, as free, I am the Earth And the Earth is me.

Who are these masked birds? Not Robin Hoods, for they live in the open woods. They only deal in stolen goods like berry futures, cedar cones, and sweet, sweet, fruit (but leave the stones). Insects they catch on the fly when swarms of them go buzzing by. No need to worry, moan. or fret. Your valuables they will not get.