Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
Why did the chicken cross the road?—
The question troubled me each time—
Why did he die before his prime,
Bearing the world’s enormous load?
Why did he have to cross at all,
To leave the comforts of his life?
Or was he henpecked by his wife,
Who couldn’t see his noble soul?
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Was he not frightened by the cars?
A dauntless bird who reached for stars—
His vision made their minds explode.
Yes, I can see him clearly now
Crossing to reach that other side—
A bird determined in his stride,
Paving the way for other fowl.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
He knew too well he couldn’t fly,
Yet, like an eagle in the sky,
Above all obstacles he soared.
May 7, 2003
--Alexander Shaumyan
The Door: Selected Poems
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You pose a good question with much speculation. As if a chicken had any other thoughts than producing many eggs or impregnating as many hens as possible.
Metaphorically, all kinds of human behavior could be attributed to the chicken like your poem illustrates.
Unique and interesting to read.
Ron