The mockingbird is famous
for its variable voice.
Unlike most birds, whose notes are few,
it has abundant choice.
It finds it dull to simply sing
one single song alone,
and pilfers songs from other birds,
then treats them as its own.

No matter how another bird
may cackle, coo, or croon,
the mockingbird is capable
of copying the tune.
Although this virtuosity
makes it a singing star,
the mockingbird owes everything
to borrowed repertoire.