Big Cocky Rooster

A long time ago

when I was a Kid,

 we had a pet dog

and we all loved it.

He was a massive dog 

and loud was his bark,

 one and all feared him

even if it was not dark.

 One day grandpa brought

a pair of noisy hens,

 and a big cocky rooster

 along with those hens.

Our dog was a bit fussy

he didn’t like the birds,

he gently growled at them

but uttered no harsh words.

Rooster was big and strong

 and proud of his strength,

he would glare if he saw

 the dog at arm’s length.

 One lazy hot afternoon

  when rooster was sleeping,

 the dog slowly went near, 

 he was quietly creeping.

 He looked at the hens

and very politely urged,

“Let us forget the past

and let us look ahead.”

The hens were timid

 and weren’t amused,

dog’s friendly overtures

 they flatly refused.

 Dog was bit of fool and

wouldn’t take a hint,

by then it was too late

 and he couldn’t even sprint.

Rooster was fully alert

even though asleep,

one watchful eye on the dog 

 he would always keep.

Rooster was up in a flash

 and was ready to pounce,

the silly dog, he was sure,

he could easily trounce.

Rooster shouted in anger

and rushed in a mad rage,

he was looking fearsome

like tiger released from cage.

 He punched with his claws

and smashed with his beak,

the dog wished to explain

but he didn’t let him speak.

 Even before anyone knew

 the dog was badly hurt,

grandpa rushed with a stick

more damage he could avert.

                                                                                         

It was a lesson our dog

would never ever forget,

he was wary of rooster

 but continued to fret.

He was a massive dog

but now scared of rooster,

he tried to hide his fear

with threats and bluster.

© i b arora