An Ode To Turkeys

An Ode to Turkeys
     By Dane Smith-Johnsen

I
There was a time, year one thousand A.D
U.S. turkeys faced a brand new plight.
Usefulness seen.
Native American's hunting delight. 
The white meat of a turkey is quite lean.
So much healthier than man knew before,
Nothing one ever could say,
In any way,
Would make Americans free turkeys anymore.

II
Thanksgiving comes and goes.
Wild turkey gobbling slows.
Ben Franklin watched their plight.
Nominated, though laughter did flare.
Turkeys beneath the moonlight
Were beautiful out there.
Ben suggested, turks as the nation's bird.
But eagles know, it was not so.
And turks in history endured this nations birth.

III
Although wild turkeys can run fast and fly,
Toms might in spring be found.
Fluffing, dancing around.
Caruncle and waddle shiny, bright red
Courting the hens, showing off, prancing, not dead.  
Although turkeys fly strong,
The hunters by day kept watch in the fields.
Until, Old Tom, no more sang passion's song
And hens under bushes sat on eggs long.
When chicks hatched out and played their mother shields.
But on Thanksgiving Day...
Run away!


Note: Carolyn, thanks for the video suggestion.  It is very funny.  I decided to post the link 
here.  The HISTORICAL one is found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1213z9KHNs  
(TIME HEALS ALL: We do LOVE you, MOTHER ENGLAND... from you we were BORN.)
The HYSTERICAL one is found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnLyqBtU_F8

ENJOY the FUN!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Devonshire Avatar
November 3, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Oh, this is rich, Dane. Great writing! Franklin nominated the Turkey, Thomas Jefferson nominated the dove. However, both conceded to John Adams' desire to have the eagle because John was known for his "fowl" (pardon the pun) temper and they didn't like to argue with him. Check the youtube video of "The Egg" from the play 1776. It's a hoot! Just like this poem. Awesome, dear friend. Love, Carolyn
Richards Avatar
October 30, 2009 at 12:45 PM
The humble turkey has never received such tributes until this contest!! Hooray for another wonderful Ode to turkeys everywhere!! ~ Carrie
 Avatar
October 30, 2009 at 12:01 PM
You've got me smiling with this creative poem. Such an interesting perspective. I like how this was written in three parts. Best wishes in the contest!!!! Karen
Culverhouse Avatar
October 30, 2009 at 5:12 AM
I was kidding about stealing my ideas, it was like you said-great minds think alike.
Culverhouse Avatar
October 29, 2009 at 5:17 PM
nicely penned, you stole my ideas, now I have to start over.LOL!!
Knop Avatar
October 29, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Hi, Dane Ann, I also love turkeys - not only their meat which is truely healthy and lean - great poem you've written here! Gefaellt mir gut! ...Gert
Brown Avatar
October 29, 2009 at 1:23 PM
Thank you for writing this incredible poem and sharing it with us Dane Ann. Wishing you the best in the contest should you enter. Love, Carol
George   Avatar
October 29, 2009 at 7:16 AM
Hi Dane Ann! This is a great Ode to the Turkey. I hope you have entered it in the contest. Also, thank you for your kind comments on my writing. Lainie
Chircop Avatar
October 28, 2009 at 11:24 PM
"Turkeys beneath th emoonl;ight'hens under bushes"excellent verses Dane.a pleasure to reAD--Charma
Owens Avatar
October 28, 2009 at 7:21 PM
This is a nice Ode...enjoyed...Marty
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