Back to Stories
General Fiction

Rockin' Mockin' and Mo

a crow and mocking bird chat on a telephone wire

KatharineMay 10, 202630 views

“Do re mi fa…la la la la… Blast it!”

“Rockin, that ain’t right. Whatchu doin’? You tha man! You a mockin’bird. You can sing anything.”

“Yeah, well, I forgot the notes, okay! You’re a crow. You’re smart. I heard you can learn up to six tricks.”

“Okay, I can, but I can’t sing a note. Ain’t nothin’ pretty ‘bout caw caw caw!”

“Well, I can’t sing if I can’t remember the notes, and by the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you, why’d your mama name you Mozart?”

“’cause she thought it was funny. So, I go by Mo. Don’t call me no Mozart. Call me Mo.”

“Okay, Mo. Hey, since you’re so smart, can you just say the notes for me? You don’t have to sing ‘em.”

“Good thing, ‘cause I can’t.  Lessee, um, I b’lieve it go, do re mi fa so la ti do. Yeah, das it.”

“Right! Thanks, Mo. I owe you one.”

“Any time, buddy. Just gimme a CAW.” Ha ha ha ha

Reviews (1)

Sign in to leave a review

Tim Margetts

5/11/2026

The Words That Got to Me

The key thing I get from this is really in the ease of the dialogue. Nothing feels strained. You understand comedic pacing and don’t overcomplicate the idea.

Suggestions / Possible Tweaks

There are one or two places where it slightly risks becoming harder to read aloud smoothly: “Lessee, um, I b’lieve it go…” This is close to the edge where phonetic spelling can interrupt flow rather than enhance voice.

I enjoyed this warm, humorous little character sketch with a good ear for dialogue and timing. It doesn’t try to be grand or profound, and that restraint works in its favour. You're confident enough to let the humour emerge naturally from interaction rather than forcing punchlines every line. And that is why it works.

Katharine

5/11/2026

Thanks, Tim. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm trying to get humor added to the list of categories offered here. Rachelle has mentioned it to Heather. In our southern states, where I'm from, originally, some people talk just like my characters. I found a neat picture of a crow and a mockingbird sitting on a wire, but for some reason I cannot get clear pictures to post. Rachelle has tried to help and so has my techy daughter, to no avail. Anyway, thanks again! Katharine