Stories and Paintings
Chickens, being largely immune to the anxiety that infects mankind, rarely experience the feeling of relief. They don’t even have a word for it. But upon hearing the news of the owl’s non-existence—which was interpreted not so much as a rumour disproved as much as a glorious battle won—a wave of relief swept over the... Continue Reading →
The pile of rags was on the shelf between Sonny and the camera. He quickly pushed the pile forward so that it collapsed over, covering the camera, and then he flapped down from the shelf. He landed beside Rosie just as Ivan came in, and noticed a few of the chickens had also gathered just... Continue Reading →
Sonny stepped inside and examined the fallen plank of wood and paint tins. “I’ve come to see about this owl,” he said. Rosie and the terrier exchanged nervous glances. “Uh, yes,” she said. “That’s what we’re doing too. The owl.” Sonny walked around and looked up at the shelves on the wall. “There is no... Continue Reading →
On the fourth night after Winston’s death, a crash shattered the midnight silence. It came from the shed. The next morning, the chickens waited in the henhouse with anxious imaginations while Ivan and a few roosters went over to the shed to investigate. Upon returning, Ivan declared the noise to have been nothing but an... Continue Reading →
Alfred’s honking grew louder, and up the farmhouse, Mr McGinley yelled something from the kitchen window. “The old rooster...” continued Alfred. “He’s gone. I saw it coming, I told them. I told you. They don’t listen. Why didn’t you listen? I warned you! And now what?” The goose’s voice grew threatening. “I said it, and... Continue Reading →
Ivan stepped aside, fixing his eyes on Sonny as he walked up to Winston’s bed. The old rooster lay on his right side, with his neck stretched out and his left wing bent back at an unnatural angle. Feathers were strewn all about and dark blood stained the straw. Around Winton’s throat, feathers had been... Continue Reading →
Sonny raced back up the hill. The path seemed longer and steeper than ever. His legs were exhausted, and the air pinched his lungs. At the top, just before the yard, he paused to catch his breath and saw nearly every chicken on the farm was gathered outside Winston’s shed. Sonny’s heart was almost beating... Continue Reading →
Sonny spent the day wandering near the fruit trees, his head down and his face serious in thought. In the afternoon, as he rested in some shade, a ripple through the long grass weaved toward him, and a dark, whiskered little face popped up. Sonny tilted his head and stared at the rat twitching its... Continue Reading →
Sonny turned and saw Ivan walking toward him. Ivan was an intimidating rooster, but more so this morning. Something was different. While Ivan had always had a domineering manner, he was usually a little jumpy, as though he might suddenly trample the nearest bird. Not so today. There was a calmness about him. “Hello Ivan,”... Continue Reading →
