Fowl of a Feather

An Industrious but Featherless Chicken and a Federal Highway Magistrate happened to pass close by going in opposite directions on a busy two-lane road in the Ozarks. The Morally Indignant Magistrate, embarrassed at having to see the working parts of the Industrious Chicken, ordered the marketbound chicken to travel a Large Non-existant Expressway where he would not interfere with the safety of the mores and sensitivities of the other Passersby on their way to the Games and Tables.

The Featherless Fowl Bred for Thigh and Breast was in Full Feather that day and traveled lightly, and with contrite heart offered to pick up a wingful of loose feathers beside The Way and cover himself. This action temporarily satisfied He Who Looked Down His Nose at Birds of a Similar Feather, and the Newly Remantled Avian saw a chance to further smooth the ruffled feathers of the Misprisionary Magistrate.

"Let me bother you to lift your Pulchritudinous Pocketbook, Sir," the Pecuniated Pullet said, "and pad your wagon with this." He busied himself feathering the mobile nest of the Magistrate.

The Fragrantly Plumed Provider of Highway Funds, hiding pieces of Succulent Chicken Flesh behind his thick oily lips, thanked the Featherless Chicken Out of the Box and asked why he traveled free of plumage. The Industrious Chick replied, "I am required to feather so many nests in this county that I have none left for myself."

"So why," continued the Magistrate, "don't you build a bigger wider road with space between lanes where I don't have to see you?"

The Chicken doubled his judicious feathering of the Magistrate's nest and asked, "Why don't you build it for me?"