Kokako why did you leave?

Kokako - Image by Manu Bird from Pixabay


Kokako why did you leave?

Kokako! Why did you leave? 
slipping away without a sound
monogamy did you no good
nor your song of defense
they came anyway

People
with their ship rats, stoats, weasels, feral cats 
hunting was easy
too friendly, unwary 
feeding on the forest floor
nests invaded, eggs taken

Male and female inseparable
singing of love
until
 sold to the highest bidder - collectors, museums -
saving you from yourself

It makes me shudder
that money speaks
to take those with a unique voice
a 2008 extinction
Kokako declared null and void 

So ecologically naive, they said
I ask, you or them?
but now
labelled as data deficient
one sighting has brought you back
one, two, three
stay free beautiful manu
this world is not for you!

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