Buddy Check

I was just watching the chickens
free range around the back yard.
They stick close together at all times.
If one strays a few feet away from the other
there comes a moment of realization
and one of the chickens will run
its awkward, funny chicken run
to return to the side of its companion.

It is almost as if they are attached
by an invisible elastic cord
that stretches out slowly
and suddenly snaps them back together.

There is some wing action involved
in the running.

Perhaps I'll capture this on video soon.

I'm reminded of my days
as a camp counselor and life guard.

Every little bit we would do a buddy check.
The swim buddies in the pool
would have to grab each other's hands
and hold it up in the air.

Got to keep track of your buddy.