A Chicken Poem

All I Need to Know in Life I Learned From My Hens

a poem by Michaele Oleson of Sprout ‘n’ Wings Farm

submitted to Countryside Living Magazine, 2004

Wake up early, stay busy, rest when you need to.
But always stay alert.

Visit your favorite places each day.

Scratch out a living.

Routine is good.

Plump is good.

Don’t ponder your purpose in life – 
your brain is too small.

Accept the pecking order and know your enemies.

Weed your garden.

Protect your children fiercely – 
sit on them if you need to.

Take them for walks,
Show them little things and talk constantly.

Make a nice nest.

Share it with friends.

Brag on your accomplishments.

Don’t count your chicks before they hatch.

Protect your nest egg.

Test your wings once in a while.

Squawk when necessary.

As you age, demand respect.

Leave a little something for those who care about you.

Chase butterflies.