How is your wife today
Mr. General?
Off to the front to lead
Another battle

One for sorrow
Two for joy
Three for a girl
Four for a boy
Five for silver
Six for gold
Seven for a secret
Never to be told
Eight for a wish
Nine for a kiss
Ten for a bird
You must not miss

Avian Grim Reaper
White with a black necktie
Good morning Mr. Magpie

Seen on a windowsill
Death is pending
Pay him his due respects
Or risk offending

Bane of the gamekeeper
Mischievous and flighty
Acting high and mighty
Call out politely

Birds of a feather rise
And swarm like mayflies
Cawing their battle cries
To blot the sunrise

Wreath for a fallen friend
A blackbird funeral
Requiem on the grass
Of their cathedral