T'was a fine summer day
We the chickens were hard at play
Enjoying yummy yardy delights
After the morning's egg lay.

With two new chicken arrivals in our yard
Us three old birds had to work hard
To re-establish the pecking order
And introduce the newbies to the old guard.

All was good and dandy with us girls
But dark events were about to unfurl
Had we known about them in advance
They would have made our toes curl.

Then it happened! Entered the human
She harnessed me, always a bad omen!
Nestling me snug in her arms,
She walked through town to meet a new woman.

Now, I am not one to shy away from adventure
I may even vouch for it, as a curiosity quencher
But even the blase ol' me
Had grave misgivings about this unusual venture.

It turned out, my worries were futile
The new woman was sweet, not vile
She fed me some watermelon
And cuddled me for quite a while.

Once calmed, I was released from her hold
As I walked away, lo and behold!
I saw beautiful artwork right at my feet
A painting of us chickens, both young and old!

I could scarcely believe my eyes
A talented artist (who was obviously wise)
Had painted my flock right on the street
I swear it's the truth, not tall tales or lies!

As I enjoyed my new celebrity status
Staring at the art, I remembered the cactus!
We had seen this place during our trip to the west
I reminisced, as my human repacked me in the dreaded harness apparatus.

Our walk back home was also memorable
Saying hello to as many humans as I was able
They gaped, gawked and clicked my pictures
To immortalize my stardom and fable.

Back home I received a heroine's welcome
With many congratulations (although jealous Daisy kept mum)
Now officially atop the pecking order
I am back to laying eggs, and the usual humdrum.

--Crazy Cookie the chicken