For Melissa, or: My First Short-Order Sonnet

At the request of Melissa, my friend,
Who works with me and keeps me much amused,
I must complete before our day shift's end
A sonnet on a bird that's much abused.
We cut their beaks, we caponize their cocks,
We feed them friends and relatives betimes,
All so they will taste good in soups and stocks
And as filets with tequila and limes.
They're tasty, too, when fried like Daddy does
Or baked with artichokes and some sherry.
No matter what you do, they're great, because
A chicken's far indeed from ordinary.
And I have yet to mention chicken eggs,
Which taste almost as good as chicken legs.