The two white-feathered chickens, The only ones in the mixed-breed flock, Spent their days together, Separate from the others, Somehow aware they were different, Finding solidarity in their similarity. One day, one of the white hens Suddenly died of old age, A heart attack, presumably. That evening, the remaining white hen, Entering the coop alone, Paused at the door, And let out a plaintive squawk, In a single moment expressing All the feelings surrounding death: Love, Sadness, Release, Resolve. The next morning, The white hen joined the others, As much a part of the flock As if she had always been.
composer, teacher, collaborative pianist, blogger