Hens & Chickens

Hens & Chickens

written by: Jordan Trethewey

@JTpoetlaureate

Grandmother liked modest growth,
no show-off annual beauties,
encouraged perennial modesty
in the sand and gravel garden

beside the house and oil tank—
the natural arrangement
depended upon independence
bordering on neglect.

Hens are inconspicuous and rugged,
know the rooster will eventually fly
the coop to spread his seed,
leave a large brood in departure.

Be frugal, reserve intake of necessities.
Relish the baking sun and downpour.
Don’t ask for more than you are given.
No shame in being succulent

without the finery of fragrant flowers.
We reflect a harmony of robust symmetry.
Compact concentric patterns reveal
a repetitive hardiness — try and try,

return over and over again
until hooked rug ground cover complete.
Leave others to marvel at
painstaking patience required to plod

ahead until brilliance is revealed.
Asked how your wonder went unnoticed,
admit it required stealth and shadow —
that fertile gazes be directed elsewhere.

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Jordan Trethewey

Fredericton Poet Laureate Jordan Trethewey (2021-2024) lives in New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and daughter. Jordan writes poetry, drama, children’s literature, historical and short fiction. His writing appears in national and international journals…and on the right shoulder blade of a fan. He is an editor at the on-line literary journal Open Arts Forum. Some of his work is also translated in Vietnamese, Farsi, and French. Jordan’s latest book, “These Are the People in Your Neighbourhood” (2023), is the fulfillment of his legacy project as poet laureate. His books “Spirits for Sale” (2019), and “Unexpected Mergers” (2021) are collaborations with Dutch artist Marcel Herms. All are available on Amazon.

Latest posts by Jordan Trethewey (see all)

• Hemingway Vs. Stevens - April 25, 2024
• Going Dutch: A Stir-fried Shakespearean Crown of Sonnets - September 25, 2022
• Hens & Chickens - February 10, 2022