Rooster Cogburn !

Another blast from the past with a little poetic license thrown in for good measure!

Cherished dearly are my memories grand, 

of all the animals I've reared by hand

There's been many pets down through the years, 

of those now gone, I've shed tears!

Cats, dogs, hamsters, fish within a pond, 

newts and tadpoles that there spawned,

with rabbits, I’m also equally smitten

did you know a baby bunny, is known as a kitten?

 

But there was just one magnificent creature, 

a gift I received from my science teacher

that stood out tall and proud above the rest, 

as of his kind he was simply the best!

I got him as as a tiny yellow chick, 

but I fed him well and he grew up quick,

indeed he was an impressive, imposing sight, 

with my big Sussex rooster, no one picked a fight!

 

I bought him six fine laying hens, 

he needed no encouragement to make friends 

he soon built a reputation,  bold and game, 

so I called him 'Cogburn' after John Wayne!

One night a fox stopped by the chicken coop, 

its clear intent to kill this broody troupe,

but not a single feather was disturbed on any head, 

as the very next morning I found that reynard, bloody and dead!

 

He once had trouble from two rival, feathered foes, 

who charmed his lady hens, with amorous crows

but old Cogburn by nature, a  jealous bird, 

when he got wind of this, his wrath incurred!

He approached those impostors with a dropped wing, 

his unique war dance, a cockrell thing,

it ended quickly without a fuss or pain 

and a couple of would be suitors, ne'er crowed again!

 

I entered him into a country, game fair, 

he won first prize, the finest fowl there,

but I could not stay long to celebrate, 

as my rooster became frisky and fancied a date!

He broke out of his cage and feeling perky, 

unceremoniously climbed upon a terrified turkey,

so I rushed him back home, angry and moody, 

where he took out his frustrations on six hens, lewdly!

 

Now my old rooster has long passed on, 

to a heavenly harem of hens, for cockrells with brawn

but I’ll never forget him til the day I die, 

for he put the gravel in my gut, the spit in my eye!

So should a love rival, attempt to woe your wedded woman, 

don’t just stand there gawping, like a dried out lemon,

fight like a man to keep your lady true,

look any unscrupulous lothario in the eye

and cry out loud; “ C**k-a-doodle-doooooo”!

Author's Note

He never backed down no matter who or what stood in his way !

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

You're really good at this telling tales in rhyme. I've done it a few times and know how tough it can be. And the subject appeals greatly to my country boy heart. We had a mean old rooster when I was a teen that would flog mom when she was outside hanging clothes on the line. It would attack me and my brother, too. One Sunday, we had him with dumplings.

[Tom]

Thank you Samuel & yes indeed, he was a character for sure !

[D Connolly]

Great story!! I liked it a lot :)

[tanmay7551]

did you know a baby bunny, is known as a kitten?

I didn't knew, thanks for sharing. It is wonderful how you can relate to so many different animals and have yourself seen them grow.

[Norman T]

I find your narrative style of poetry both entertaining and interesting, Tom. You tell a complete story that anyone can relate to , using straightforward language and images, enhanced by its rhyming and rhythm.
Norman

[Tom]

Yes indeed Norman, I do enjoy telling the odd yarn or two and thanks again for your welcome and positive appraisal !

[SquinklaPsyOps]

I really like your style of writing. It reminds me of cycles in life that we all must learn to endure and benefit from their inspiration to be alive.

[Tom]

Thank you Squinkly ' Pops for this interesting prospective !

[Frieda P]

Ha, you really know how to end on a high note, dontcha? What a delightful read this early morning, John Wayne eh, he must have had some set on him......as for spirit, I'm sure you've always had that in you Tom, long before Cogburn! Good lesson within your poem packed away in this precious story. Muchly enjoyed!
Have a great New Year my friend.........

[Tom]

Thank you Frieda for your always encouraging words and a happy new to you, my dear lovely, lady poetess !

[Neville]

Yeah, go 'Cogburn' go - A truly delightful depictation of a whole childhood. - All wrapped up in six verses & when I suggest it has an antique feel, I probably mean timeless and with respect, nothing short of a compliment. N

[Tom]

A timeless cherished memory indeed Neville & thanks for your rewarding review !

[Neville]

Hey, my pleasure entirely... N

[TL Boehm]

Wow! You are a storyteller! I think I adore this bird- you gave us a stellar homage to him. I'll think twice next time I call someone "chicken" as a slander

[Tom]

Thank you again Tl, yes he was full off roostertestosterone !!

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

I can't control myself to chuckle especially on the last verse where you said the reasons why you can't forget that fowl. LOL

You always use exceptional rhyme, Tom. Great!

[Tom]

Thank you Dhaye, happy I so am to have made you laugh!!

[Daisie Vergara (Dhaye)]

You're always welcome, Tom.