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