fox and fear are near

food is scarce and dear

some escape we hear

and in crowded vessels clear

we ask around the quay

sail now or let it be

we mull about, confide

unanimously decide

we quit our things today

and gather enough to pay

chicken to see our quarters

for weeks across the waters

we risk and step aboard

no pecking order assured

we leave home after dark

and cringe as we embark

others share our squeeze

as we meet the open seas

one extreme the gale

or no wind to push our sail

a spark tracks destiny

it's here we'd rather be

in battery though we be

it's our way to be free

another ship we see

and can't contain our glee

confronts us to discuss

like a mother hen to us

our fear has calmed right down

no neck wrung just a frown

now we're in your hands

until our vessel lands

we're questioned hard and long

but fed and coaxed along

we can't remember fear

for we grin from ear to ear

we're directed to change ship

it's like a double dip

our punt with chicks and kin

confirmed, it saved our skin

our captors might ask why

but it's not the time to die

back on land again

courtesy mother hen

on dry land and secure

we made it though we're fewer

left behind the strife

a step towards a life

pretty soon we learn

notoriety we earn

parading in our cages

while debate enrages

all we need to do

is not forget our cue

our aspirations rise

as mother hens wash our eyes

in weeks or days we'll entertain

our wild colonial side

and figuratively plunder

together we will ride

we've crowed for half a year

the chook yard chanticleer

we implore you kindly mother hen

don't prune our wings again

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