“Mr. Hen” by Dustin Pearson | Blackbird v16n1

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back DUSTIN PEARSON

Mr. Hen

Scientists suggest that hairs
on the human body are merely
modified scales or feathers.

The feathers on chickens
are plucked from the body
with paraffin, or are singed.

I met a chicken once. He didn’t say
much. He chased me to a closet. He showed
me around. He followed me home.

He taught me how the skin
on my back and belly lifts, folds, pulls
from the bone, and rolls like dough.

Each time was different, each time at the end
I told myself he was laying the egg.
Each time he was equal pitch, chicken and monster.

I think I’ll look him up.
I think I’ll write him some letters.
I think I’ll call him Mr. Hen.