THE CHICKEN'S MISTAKE by Phoebe Cary

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 5, 1901

THE CHICKEN'S MISTAKE

By Phoebe Cary

A little chicken one day Asked leave to go in the water, Where she saw a duck, with her brood at play, Swimming and splashing about her.

“Indeed,” she began to peep and cry, When her mother wouldn't let her, “If the ducks can swim there, why can't I? Are they any bigger or better?”

Then the old hen answered: “Listen to me, And hush your foolish talking; Just look at your feet, and you will see They were only made for walking.”

But Chicky wistfully eyed the brook, And didn't half believe her; For she seemed to say, by a knowing look, Such stories couldn't deceive her.

And, as her mother was scratching the ground, She muttered lower and lower: “I know I can go there and not be drowned, And so I think I'll show her.”

Then she made a plunge where the stream was deep, And saw too late her blunder; For she had hardly time to peep When her foolish head went under.

And now I hope her fate will show The child my story reading, That those who are older sometimes know What you will do well for heeding:

That each content in his place should dwell, And envy not his brother; And any part that is acted well Is just as good as another.

For we all have our proper sphere below, And this is a truth worth knowing: You will come to grief if you try to go Where you were never made for going.

— Phoebe Cary.