Protocol
demanded we send
A
nightingale to break the Emperor's heart
But
nightingales are not native to these parts
And
birds were, that year, in short supply.
We
did our best and sent two nightjars --
One
with and one without ears. The experiment
Was
a failure. The Emperor's heart remained
Entirely
whole. The earred nightjar,
Lyncornis
macrotis to its friends --
Told
bawdy stories and fell asleep.
The
other -- a common poorwill
Of
no breeding -- betrayed us,
Becoming
a member of the Cabinet –
A
junior one, without portfolio.
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