Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Why the Chicken Crossed the Road


My friend, Max Grover, told me a chicken joke. "How did the punk rocker cross the road?"
Answer: "By stapling a chicken to his ear."  It makes sense.

But last night I went for a walk with Susi and our grandson, Clay. We wandered through the woods 'til dark, and upon our return saw a chicken standing by the side of the road.

Clearly it was debating whether to cross the road or go back to its peeps. We said hello and talked about the weather, then bid the biddy goodbye. But she protested. "Don't leave me," she begged.

"Now, go home darlin'," I said. But it would not. It followed us all the way up our street.  Well, I could not abandon a chicken in distress so I took it in.


 There is a dark side to my story. First, there was this ghost ship. Look at the thing in the back. Looks like a ship with trees growing out of it? That is exactly what it is. Nobody seemed to notice. But I did. And the sister of the chicken did.


 A walk can heal what ails ya, as I've said before when I actually used to blog. I apologize for wandering around Neptune. I'm back, I hope, and noticing odd things along the way. Like this dog who said, "BEWARE the chicken!"


"Good dog," says I.  A little further down the road I see Mary up there with some pigeons. I think if she lived in Port Townsend, she would in fact be feeding the pigeons.  Saint Francis had a way with animals because he listened to them and let them sit on his head and shoulders.. He would have taken the chicken home.


How nice to look for friends along the way. Along the path.


So then, about that chicken's sister. I did find the owner of the chicken the next day. But he said that she had a sister who also escaped from the coop last night. Apparently she had been spooked. I think he may have mentioned the ghost ship. The next day they found a pile of feathers next door.

So why did Henrietta cross the road?   1. To get away from ghost ships. 2. To find a safe place to snuggle away from the coyotes. or 3. For love.

14 comments:

M J Muir said...

It is nice to see you blogging again. I imagine that chicken knew you'd keep it safe at least while you were there. Sorry to hear about the sister chicken. Makes me glad I'm not a chicken. In my neighborhood, racoons have been taking cats. More sad stories I guess.

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Ha Ha! ;) Glad to see you back here.

And I thought it was only us 'Brits' who were eccentric... The Chicken was obviously meant to do the 'Funky-Chicken' at the latest nightclub in town....Spooky Ghost-Ship but then she saw you!

p.s. Poor Sister Chicken is now part of a feather-boa in Foxtown.

Jane

Michaele Razi said...

Oh, you rescued a chicken. So sorry to hear about her sister, though. The ghost ship is really cool! Hope you had fun touring Neptune!

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Hi M.J. ~ That's interesting about the racoons taking cats. Our cats just sit there as the racoons wander round on the back deck. The biggest threats to cats here are eagles, coyotes, owls.

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Hi, Half-heard. Funky chicken, indeed! Actually she was quite affectionate. Probably handled and loved by children. I may have to re-think my feather boas.

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Michaele, you would have liked this chicken. Cute. And yes, Neptune was awesome! A little hot in the sun and cold in the shade.

Ruthie Redden said...

Hello Mr W, lovely to be here again at looong last. Im loving the ghost ship even if it was responsible, and oh so glad to know im not the only one who "sees" things all the time. Came across your delicious book again the other day & have to say was oohh so excited as I had a clutch of wee ones to share it with this time. Needless to say they were enthralled. Thank you ;)

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Hi Ruthie. Yes, there is just so much to see. I like what the artist, Gergia O'Keefe says about seeing, "Nobody sees a flower really, they are so small and it takes time to see the way it takes time to have a friend..."

Glad you had some wee ones to read to. Hope you are ready for a cosy winter.

Flying Selki said...

For love of course!

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Hey Flying Selki Birthday Girl. You are so right it is all about love.

M J Muir said...

I am just passing by on easter Sunday and I thought I would pop in here to say Happy Easter to you and your lovely wife and your family!

Nancy Thomas said...

Richard, please start posting your comments and photos and artwork again. I miss your fresh insights and humor. Please.

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Hi M.J. Thanks for the Happy vibes. Hope you drink in the joy of Spring and float along with the blossoms.

Richard Jesse Watson said...

Thank you Nancy. Oh my goodness, what an adventure you are having. I will try to post more. I will look forward to hearing more about your experiences in Rwanda.