An old cottonwood stump stands in the alley
           near the burn barrel. White chickens held by
           both legs, heads on stump as sunlight gleams
           on falling blade. The white bodies flop, headless
           on grass beneath lilacs and red coats green,
           Christmas colors on a clipped July 3rd lawn.

           Young boys poke severed heads with sticks,
           watch lifeless eyes glaze over, and learn now
           about karma, connections, sacrifice; later about
           food and family, fireworks, prairie patriotism.