LesleyScoble.com

I wrote Watch the Birdie to the d’Verse Poets’ challenge to write a quadrille — a poem of just 44 words — with a smile in it.

Watch the Birdie

I meet Bonnie Langford by chance on the corner of a London street and we take a selfie.

We meet in the street 
after all these years! 
when was it now? 
ah, I remember the time 
it’s when we worked in pantomime 
you played the Princess 
and I the Fairy 
it’s been a while— 
let’s take a selfie 
smile 
watch the birdie!



—Lesley Scoble, January 2026

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Audio — Watch the Birdie 🎶

I asked AI to create a song from my lyrics—channelling a little Bonnie Langford flair. Forgive me, Bonnie!

Bonnie and I worked together on Dick Whittington for Paul Elliott Theatre Productions. Among a glittering cast, Bonnie played the Princess, Sue Hanson played Dick, Colin Baker played King Rat, and I played the Good Fairy. We laughed our way through the run — I do love playing panto!

I wrote Watch the Birdie in response to the d’Verse Poets’ Quadrille #239: Smile! 
My thanks to Whimsygizmo for the delightfully smiling prompt.
And my grateful thanks to you, dear reader, for spending time with my poem and song.

Check out the d’Verse Poets and follow the link below.

Quadrille #239: Smile!