pecking order

granny rinses her coffee cup in the sink
screen door screeches her departure
disgruntled hens squawk her arrival
her vengeance quick, dinner secured
a well practiced wrist snap
another rooster won’t announce another dawn
the rest of the flock scratching mornings grain
their pea sized brains not realizing he’s gone
before grandpa can hoe a row free of weeds
a sharp knife and practiced hands
have drawn, quartered, salt, peppered
and floured what’s sizzling in the frying pan
at just 4 feet granny command’s a tight kitchen
at just over 6 feet grandpa knows his place
with washed hands and clean shirt
the nod of her head and he’s saying grace
another day and all chores done
sheets turned down and prayers said
she silently locks the bedroom door
hoping that keeps the zombie fowl from her head