Little red hen..

Mama red hen sought aid 

so many chicks to feed

asked farm freinds to trade 

help spread corn seed?

No, said pig, cow, horse, sheep

then myself, regardless

fruits of labour, water, weed

as others looked on heartless

So mama red hen in earnest

harvested, milled ripe corn

delicious bread on a platter

as others lined up to  adorn

Moral of tale, be prudent

guard your harvest utmost

so in times of hardship

one's flock shall eat firstmost

Author's Note

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Red_Hen

Reviews

[Marie]

The story of The Little Red Hen is beautifully narrated in this really lovely poem, Tom. If I remember rightly The Little Red Hen (written by American writer Mary Mapes Dodge) asked for help with preparing the food, etc and nobody helped, so she didn't allow them to eat the fruits of her cooking. A lovely story with a moral for the reader to take to heart. Love the old stories, Tom! They remind me of Aesop's Fables written between 620 and 564 BC and as relevant now as they were back then. Aesop's Fables always had a moral for their reader also. SO enjoyed reading your poem, Tom. Awesome and delightful, as always... Thank you for sharing...

[Tom]

Aesop's fables what a wonderful comparison, many thanks Marie!!

[Marie]

Most welcome always, Tom... Enjoy a very blessed and joyful Sunday...

[Amanda Reynolds]

thank you for this, so much meaning and emotion in a poem, also reminds me of
"The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams, such a simple and brilliant poem as well is yours is

[Kelly Scheppers]

I looked up "firstmost" in Webster, and it said see "Little Ren Hen" by Tom! I absolutely adore the moral to this story. We mama hens are always looking out for our family.

[Tom]

Lol, I'm famous as I've officially invented a new word🤣
Thank you Kelly!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Fantastic! "Firstmost" is not a word I have heard before...but I like it. Family first! Good one, Tom. Lydi**

[Tom]

Thanks my friend, lol, firstmost, well I needed an end rhyme word 😉

[Tumi]

a great poem to write
love the inclusion of moral

[Tom]

Thank you tumi

[Betty Hermelee]

A lovely story with a moral.... if people won't help you and you have to do yourself, don't be so ready to share it...and that goes for these sweet animals and for humans alike!!! a great lesson to be learned!
Love the tale!
Warmly, B

[Tom]

Thank you Betty, yep, to quote Biblical text, ' the Lord looks after those who look after themselves'

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome Tom!
Warmly, B

[Patricia Wedel]

We often become a Red Hen when raising a family… keeping Eggs Warm for hatching… then resting and eating Corn until the next Morning.. Amen. Pat

[Tom]

Yes we do, and thank you Patricia!

[andrew mitchell]

Nice write Tom, you direct the reader to the message. Awareness and survival is paramount.

[Tom]

Indeed so Andrew, thanks for stopping by!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, often we will get no help....and we must see to our own rather than
spreading our kindness elsewhere.

[Tom]

Thank you for your visit and thoughts Jacob!

[Mystical Ink]

It creatively tells a timeless tale of diligence and prudence through the story of Mama red hen and her efforts to care for her chicks. The imagery of farming and the harvest vividly paints a scene of hard work and perseverance. The moral at the end reinforces the importance of prioritizing family and responsibilities, resonating with wisdom and insight. Your poem beautifully delivers its message with a rhythmic flow and engaging narrative.

[Tom]

Thanks agin High Priestess, a stellar review indeed!