the chickens open their beaks

in a silent squawk

feathered bodies pant

melt and puddle

over wood shavings

the young girl pours water

into the tray in the cages corner

“Jessica needs more water”

“I’m so nervous”

“First place, master showman, I can’t believe it”

off in the corner

several family members

wait and melt in a hundred degrees

with love and pride dripping down their foreheads

and flies batting at their knees