ROOSTER’S FOLLY

Rooster’s Folly - a chicken coop
deserving of its name
The Major cried, ‘Monstrosity’
and Wally took the blame.

Indeed, a unique hen house
built amid the rubble
ruled now by a cockerel
who caused no end of trouble.

Napoleon had few friends
his manner too abrupt
Skirmished with the Major
and war could soon erupt.

The Major was attacked one day
and defending with his foot
sent flying cock down chimney pot
which covered him with soot.

Tumbling out, the flustered bird
feathers not so gleaming
terrified Marie Duval
who’d just finished the cleaning.

Black dust flew, as swift she fled
Napoleon giving chase
out the door, down the path
as if it were a race.

The Major lost his temper
funny it was not
and vowed to catch the wretched bird
and put him in the pot.

In time, it made him smile, though
he chuckled at the thought
When counting out the money
from the eggs that people bought.

One day, Henrietta arrived
the prettiest little hen
Napoleon, keen to date her
question though, was when?

He bided time on charm offensive
worked to get much fitter
Then one night, to his delight
‘I love you’ - said her twitter.

Next day, strutting in the yard
star struck eyes on Hetty
he came across and sought advice
from mother hen, called Betty.

He popped the question, she said yes
Napoleon on cloud nine
tied the knot, they were wed
and everything seemed fine.

Napoleon became a different bird
calmer, more polite
still called the time at six O’clock
when darkness met first light

The Major now could cross the farm,
bad old days forgotten
No more fighting in the yard
or scars upon his bottom.

Alas, poor Hetty fell unwell
was altogether moody
Napoleon feared, till Betty said...

“She’s not ill, just broody.
Give her time, she’ll come round
it’s not you she’s rejecting.
You should be proud
go tell the crowd, that Hetty is .... eggspecting!”