Underside

Please do not pick at my small talk,
My brilliant plumage of general history,
Current events, and wordplay.
Allow me to twirl about in downy conversation.
For I fear that should you pick,
You will find dark, opalescent scales
Undulating under my bright feathers,
If stripped of pleasantries, you will see
My carapace and hard eye sockets.
I’d prefer you not seek my constricting grip.
Best keep things bright and inconsequential,
If you please.