6:00 Rooster

It's less a cock-a-doodle than a two-note yelp.
rrrr-RRRRRRR! rrrr-RRRRR! rrrr-RRRRRRRRR!
He's young, still figuring it out.
None yesterday. Too many this morning, always at six.

He's a proud, tall thing the hatchery missed.
Scarred by the winter's raccoons,
one-winged, deep-voiced, lovely. Lucky so far.
I'm fond, and will enjoy him while I can.
Keep it brief, my friend,
and we might forego the barbeque.