Of All Things

In the barn there is little sunlight

Chickens should have fresh air, sunshine is optimal

After all, they provide for me eggs daily, their life my hobby

Birds deserve to fly, pursue their curiosity, instinctual needs

There's a bird flu going 'round

Even humans can catch it

I haven't, that is, caught the bird flu

No one I know has ever had the bird flu

Never touch a dead bird

I have a collection of skeletal remains

Skulls, beaks, teeth from a small fox, all from my outings in the forest

I won't touch a dead bird, I promise you that

The chickens hate being inside as I said

My cousin died last week

In the barn I hear the chickens squawking

I wish they understood that I am protecting them

They're quality of life depends on me

There's a bird flu going 'round.