Hi Folks! This is King Goldie Sr. speaking. While little Prince Goldie Jr. is over there charming Bossie Betty and enjoying a warm dust bath, it’s up to me to keep the ladies in line. Not only do I have to make sure their henhouse gossip doesn’t get out of hand, but I’m responsible for their welfare in every way.

I make sure to sound the alarm if predators come around, so they can all run for cover.

I make sure there’s no “bock-bock-bock bickering” going on.

And yes … sigh … it’s up to me to make sure they eat right. They all have to get their fruit and vegetables or they won’t be up to the work of laying the best eggs in my kingdom.

So come on, my pretties, eat your veggies. You can scratch for grain any time, but these special veggies are a real treat. And if I hear any bickering, I’ll remind you to look at the enforcers on my legs. But don’t worry. They’re mainly to defend my kingdom, not to hurt my ladies. Just “cock-a-doodle-do” as you’re told.

Pretty nice set of enforcers, don’t you think?

Ladies! Ladies! Stop the squawk!

All I hear is “Bock-bock-bawk.”

Dinner’s served and it won’t last,

Want your veggies? Get here fast.

Stop the bock-bock-bickering,

Stop your silly dithering,

Veggies, leafy, green, and good,

Healthy fare, it’s understood.

I’ll stand guard so you can eat,

Cabbage, celery, and beet,

In the morning you will lay,

Eggs of quality, I pray.

As for me, I have my job,

While I pick at this corn cob,

But if danger here occurs,

I’ll protect you with my spurs.