Arlene Ang

In scarlet-toned Aviary
chicks lay eggs early
because of short daylengths.

They play with feathers,
dance on stiletto stilts,
peck at late night tips,

accept lame feed from buyers--
a flattery of worms
stiff as straws in cocktails.

Pullets know the procedure:
count the cash first
before undressing, then get laid.

Arlene Ang lives in Venice, Italy where she edits the Italian edition of Niederngasse. Her poetry has recently appeared online in The Melic Review, Tattoo Highway, Tryst and Absinthe Literary Review. She has received a nomination from VLQ for the 2003 Pushcart Prize.