The subject matter of a recent political email read “They’re chicken”
The body of the text started with this:
“They’re scared. You heard me right.”
It went on to detail how Karl Rove and the Koch brothers are “throwing their money into races all across the country in hopes of buying seats for the Tea Party.”
I took offense to the email, not for political reasons but for fowl reasons. Why are chickens of all things, given such a bad rap when it comes to strength and courage?
If you owned chickens, you’d know simple things about them that contradict this premise, like:
Chickens are risk takers – how else do you explain that leap of faith when a young chick flies up to an overhead roosting bar for the first time? It’s far away, it’s never been experienced, and yet they try.
People could learn a few things about risk taking from chickens.
Mama chickens protect their young – I’ve seen mama hens fight predators to protect their babies. I’ve seen hens die in the attempt. If that’s not courage, I don’t know what is.
Hens do incredible and solitary work for the betterment of society – have you thanked a chicken for that omelet you ate this morning? Even if you didn’t that bird will tirelessly continue to supply you with food, regardless of your appreciation or not for the simple reason that that is her job. Even Mother Theresa would be proud of such a devotion to service.
Chicks leave the nest – what greater show of bravery is there than to have the confidence and spirit to strike out on your own?
By the very way they live their extraordinary lives, I assure you that chickens are and have never been in any way chicken.
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Wendy Thomas writes about the lessons learned while raising children and chickens in New Hampshire. Contact her at [email protected]
Also, join me on Facebook to find out more about the flock (children and chickens) and see some pretty funny chicken jokes, photos of tiny houses, and even a recipe or two.
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