A shrub rustling on the glass outside,
The cockatoo's complaint, an  engine's hum,
Dappled movements in the early light,
Stumpy's breathing, stopped. Just briefly stopped.
And then the time went on, an  Age had passed,
Another Age began. Soon Jumper slapped his host
In gentle mirth. I'm out of here, he said. Take care.

With two quick movements he was through the door
Scattering the ginger cat, who'd come to smooch a snack,
With three more strides he'd reached his car
When Stumpy, roused from shock, bellowed
Hey you lousy jumping jack! You can't do that!
It's criminal, you've gotta tell me now …
But with a roar and screech of tyres, he'd gone.

…to be continued

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