The shuttling cockerel

The white-tailed cockerel shuttles to and fro
While dodging a net to catch him cold in flight.
A faster flying bird, I do not know,
but battledores are keeping him in sight
To hit poor shuttlecock with all their might.
With one on his forth, the other on his back,
Alone they make the shuttlecock's bleak plight—
If shuttlecock can dodge the net, attack!
Each one in turn gives shuttlecock a whack
To set his course of flight, whether low or high.
The shuttlecock though acts like he has the knack
To make up his own mind which way to fly.
    But shuttlecocks all end: the net or floor;
    With that poor shuttlecock then flies no more.