Singing the Song of Her People

If you have ever had the pleasure of owning hens, you will know that they aren't quiet creatures.  They constantly chatter to each other and seem to have a different sound for every situation.  They make the most gorgeous noise when they are content, or when sitting on their little chicks, and it almost sounds like purr.  I never knew that chickens had such a rich social life and were this vocal until I had them.

When I first got the chooks, Mum told me that I would definitely know when they had laid an egg. It's not quite a crow, but it is a very loud announcement. "Look what I did!" "Can you believe it?" "I laid an egg again!".  Seriously, girl, you do it every day or ever second day, and so do all of your sister-wives, I'm sure it's not that great an accomplishment.  But I am not a chicken, cannot lay eggs, so apparently it is.

I read a phrase not that long ago and someone described the 'announcement' as 'singing the song her of her people'.  I absolutely love this - it is accurate, poetic and speaks of long history. If you haven't heard it before, click here for a good example.

Proud Manu with cat toy

Off the top of my head, I can't think of many other animals that are quite so proud of their achievements.  Sure, my dog gets the most goofy look on his face while holding a plush squeaky toy, but is that really an achievement? 

But you know what?  Cat's are pretty damn proud of their achievements too.  I am always serenaded with a specific, repetitive meow when Clawde and/or Purrkins are gifting me with one of they new acquisitions (aka dead things).  I can hear them as they come up the yard towards the house, pride resonating loudly, announcing the Great Gift that they are about to bestow upon me.  Usually under my bed (which is unpleasant).  Interestingly, my cats do not hesitate to use the cat door on these occasions. Purrkins has been known to haul his fat ass through the door while clinging desperately onto a very fat pigeon.  That day wasn't fun for me and Purrkins learned some new words from his mum.

Another of earth's creatures that likes to sing the song of their people are.....husbands ("I KNEW this was coming when you said you were starting this", exclaimed my ever-suffering husband.  Hmmm, he knows me well.)  I'm sure most women can relate to walking through the door and being pounced upon by the male in the house.  "I took the bins out.  Without you asking." he exclaims with an expectant and hopeful look on his dear face. Or "I put all of my dirty coffee cups in the dishwasher" he says with a smug look.

Whatever the achievement, it is always followed by "I think I deserve a blank (insert whatever your word is for special cuddles here)".

And that my friends, is the song of HIS people.