Along the road the magpies walk
with hands in pockets, left and right.
They tilt their heads, and stroll and talk.
In their well-fitted white and black
They look like certain gentlemen
who seem most nonchalant and wise
until their meal is served- and then
what clashing beaks, what greedy eyes!
But not one man that I have heard
throws back his head in such a song
of grace and praise- no man nor bird.
Their greed is brief; their joy is long.
For each is born with such a throat
as thanks his God with every note.
2. What do the magpies remind the poet of before they see food?
7. Is there a message in this poem? What is it?
8. What does the line ' Their greed is brief; their joy is long' mean?