08/15/2026
All the farm animals had been invited to a grand, extravagant party at the farm next door, a majestic estate with rolling hills and lush green pastures. All the animals dressed in their finest, most elegant garments, with the chickens wearing sparkling feathered hats and the cows adorned with glittering cowbells. When they were all ready, the proud and pompous rooster, resplendent in his gleaming golden plumage, led the way, strutting confidently at the head of the procession. When they arrived, the music was playing lively tunes and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. All the animals danced and danced and danced, twirling and spinning to the rhythm of the music, their hooves and paws tapping out the beat on the wooden floorboards. They built up a power hunger from all the dancing, and their stomachs were growling with anticipation. In the next room, long tables had been set out with plates heaping with food, a sumptuous feast that would satisfy even the most discerning palate. The rooster, who always had to be first, went into the room, right up to the tables of food, and sniffed; he was unhappy that all the plates seemed to be piled high with cornbread, a humble, rustic dish that didn't quite meet his refined standards. 'I could have stayed home if all there is to eat is cornbread,' he grumbled loudly, his voice echoing through the room, and he put his beak up high and left the room in a huff. All the other animals didn’t mind the cornbread, so they heaped their plates high, eager to dig in and sample the delicious treats. What they discovered hidden in the bread was crispy, savory bacon and fresh, crunchy greens, and beneath that was creamy, sweet potatoes and golden, juicy corn, then below that was decadent, rich cakes and cookies and sweet, tangy pie. Oh, how they ate and ate and ate, savoring each bite and enjoying every morsel! The rooster never was one to admit he was wrong, so all he could do was watch from a distance, his beak still held high in disdain, as the other animals indulged in the feast. After the party ended they all walked home together, the rooster pretending it didn't matter he missed out on the feast. To this day, the rooster scratches the ground around his farm, searching high and low, making sure he didn’t miss anything, still grumbling to himself about the cornbread, but secretly hoping to stumble upon a crumb or two.
