We’ve all heard the riddles, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” Still, I was startled to encounter a rooster actually walking across a four-lane road. I watched with trepidation mixed with awe. Perhaps because it was a Sunday afternoon, this usually busy thoroughfare seemed to have a lull in the normal cadence of cars.

It was so unusual, a miracle really, to see a rooster successfully stroll across 2 lanes and without a care in the world. He made it beyond the double yellow lines before a car approached. In the distance, I saw the white car nearing and realized this iridescent plumed fellow was about to meet an unfortunate fate.

I stepped off the curb and began to waves my arms wildly at the approaching vehicle and then with outstretched hands yelled, “STOP”. The driver heeded some 10’ away from my feathery friend who was not the least bit phased, that is until the driver honked his loud, ornery horn.  Startled, he took flight and landed on the rooftop of a one-story home. (Did you know roosters can fly?)

Well, there went my chance of helping him return to his roost. Upon  returning home from my neighborhood walk, I wondered what might become of him. Would some kind person offer him backyard shelter? Or ignore him to fend for himself? Or plan to cook him for their evening meal!

Early the next morning I heard a rooster crow  heralding the emergence of a promising day. Who can say for sure but I smiled when I heard his call, knowing he was safe to enjoy another sunny day.

I’d be curious to know just how many times this neighboring fellow had crowed to greet the morning and I had not even noticed. Yet, since our happenstance I seem to be keenly tuned in and when I hear him call, I feel a momentary joy, a sense of hopefulness at the encouraging sign from life, come what may.

Why did the rooster cross the road? Ha! You tell me…

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Watercolor by ~liz