A chicken’s heartbeat is roughly 200 beats per minute,
but that doesn't tell you how it feels
against the palm of your hand
pumpumpumpumpumpumping
how it feels
when such a little heart fills your own

A chicken's body temperature is around 135 degrees Fahrenheit,
but it comes nothing close to the sensation
of seven smaller bodies pressed
against your chin and your chest,
choosing your heat,
your love

A chicken purrs when it feels content,
but that hardly begins to tell
how it feels to be saved from crying at midnight
by a rumbling bird
sitting on your lap
looking into your eyes and sharing,
sharing all there is to be had.