Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MOTHERLESS TURKEYS, by ANNIE DOUGLAS GREEN ROBINSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MOTHERLESS TURKEYS, by                    
First Line: The white turkey was dead! The white turkey was dead!
Last Line: "to the hen with one chicken!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Douglas, Marian
Subject(s): Turkeys


THE White Turkey was dead! The White Turkey was dead!
How the news through the barn-yard went flying!
Of a mother bereft, four small turkeys were left,
And their case for assistance was crying.
E'en the Peacock respectfully folded his tail,
As a suitable symbol of sorrow,
And his plainer wife said, "Now the old bird is dead,
Who will tend her poor chicks on the morrow?
And when evening around them comes dreary and chill
Who above will watchfully hover?"
"Two, each night, I will tuck 'neath my wings," said the Duck,
"Though I've eight of my own I must cover."
"I have so much to do! For the bugs and the worms,
In the garden, 'tis tiresome pickin';
I have nothing to spare,—for my own I must care,"
Said the Hen with one chicken.

"How I wish," said the Goose, "I could be of some use,
For my heart is with love over-brimming;
The morning that's fine, they shall go with my nine
Little, yellow-backed goslings, out swimming!"
"I will do what I can," the old Dorking put in,
"And for help they may call upon me too.
Though I've ten of my own that are only half-grown,
And a great deal of trouble to see to.
But those poor little things, they are all heads and wings,
And their bones through their feathers are stickin'!"
"Very hard it may be, but, oh, don't come to me!"
Said the Hen with one chicken.

"Half my care, I suppose, there is nobody knows,—
I'm the most overburdened of mothers!
They must learn, little elves! how to scratch for themselves,
And not seek to depend upon others."
She went by with a cluck, and the Goose to the Duck
Exclaimed in surprise, "Well, I never!"
Said the Duck, "I declare, those who have the least care,
You will find are complaining forever!
And when all things appear to look threatening and drear,
And when troubles your pathway are thick in,
For aid in your woe, oh, beware how you go,
To the Hen with one chicken!"





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