Random Acts Of Storytelling

Sunny Side Up

  Slits of light shone through cracks in the door. Outside was where I wanted to be. But I still had my quota to fill. The day had been particularly hard. I stood, stretching my taut muscles, and looked up and down the gloomily lit building. I was all alone. Settling back into position I admittedly gave an inward sigh of relief. The others had filled their quotas and had left to eat and to bask in the afternoon sun. What this all meant was that I could now concentrate on my job instead of ducking and eventually succumbing to the sororal blows laid upon me by the others.

  Just as I cleared my mind, preparing for the task before me, the boss entered through the door from which I had first watched the light shine through. He was humongous, a giant. In the crook of one arm was the basket in which he placed the finished products of everybody’s labor. I fought down a panic already half risen. He was starting at one end, while I was at the other. There was plenty of time – if I hurried.

  With my new-found enthusiasm I quickly entered the state of mind necessary for the task at hand. Already I could feel my body churning, driving itself to the inevitable climax. I peeked with my left eye and saw the boss about halfway down the length of the room. I renewed my efforts, concentrating until my body began to quiver. And then it happened. I nearly screamed – as I often have the desire to do – and there it was, a well shaped, glistening orb. I scurried off my station, just as the boss arrived to collect my laborious product, and made a beeline to our door and ramp to reach the beckoning sunlight.

  I stood, blinking in the bright, warm sunlight, preparing to join my sisters. I ruffled my feathers as I ran down the ramp towards the freshly spread feed. Clucking with delight I joined the rest of the chickens – quota filled.