The Brave Little Rooster

By Jacqueline Jackson

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friends, a chicken is an omnivore

needs protein, that's why so many

early kids' books are heavy on boys

hunting and trapping – so pitch that

dead bunny in the chicken yard!

when bugs are under the snow

my daughter and son-in-law keep

a 5-gallon covered can in their trunk

beat the crows to fresh Nevada roadkill

throw rabbit, lizard, vole to their flock

(in covered yard since picked clean –

hawks and coyotes like protein too, so

chickens can't run free) the gang falls

on any delicacy with joy

makes short work of the treat

but one day in comes a huge furry

dead raccoon oh! oh! oh!

an enemy! consternation!

the hens huddle in a corner,

while the brave rooster protects

his harem with widespread wings –

but when the danger doesn't move

hour after hour they gradually venture forth

finally realize they have a banquet

which lasts many happy days

2024 Jacqueline Jackson

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