Another Litttle Red Hen

Another Little Red Hen

The barnyard had long since been picked clean, and the Pig was explaining to the angry assembled animals about the Magic of the Yard and how Pass-Through Economics worked.

"First, y'see, I eat as much as I can," said the Pig.

"Yeah, we've noticed!" neighed the Horse.

"Yes, yes," continued the Pig, "but the eventual ... through-put benefits all of you! Every single one of you gets to scavenge my ... leavings for the abundant nutrients they possess!"

This line of crap had apparently sufficed in the past, but it did not appear to be working this time. Seemingly, only the Sheep remained a staunch supporter of the Pig.

"Ok, look," piped the Little Red Hen. "We've heard your Pig ... stuff before. But let's get down to brass tacks here. We're starving here. What can we do about it? Do you have any ideas, Pig?"

"Not I," said the Pig.

"Anyone else?" prompted the Little Red Hen.

"Not I," said the Horse.

"Not I," said the Duck.

"Don't look at me," baaed the Sheep.

"Ok," clucked the Little Red Hen. "Well, I have found a few kernels of corn, and I am going to plant them. Who wants to help?"

"Not I!" snorted the Pig. "That's the animals' corn you've got there! They can't afford your extravagant planting! Give it to me this instant!"

"Give it! Give it!" baaed the outraged Sheep.

"Thirty seconds ago, you guys didn't have a clue what to do about the food shortage," the Little Red Hen reminded the Pig and the Sheep. "Why should I give it to you?"

"That was before I knew you had something edible!" grunted the Pig. "The Magic of the Yard will provide! Pass-Through Economics! The tried and true principles never fail!"

But some of the other animals pitched in, and they planted the corn together.

Of course, corn needs water to grow, so the Little Red Hen again polled the animals for assistance.

"Who will help me water the corn?"

"Not I!" declared the Pig. "That's the animals' water you're using! Listen up, everybody! The fowl's a Socialist! Look! She's even red! Nationalizing the animals' water!"

"Socialist!" echoed the Sheep. "Nation ... national ... something or other!"

But the other animals helped water the corn. And keep the Pig and Sheep away from the fledgling plants, which flourished under the care of the animals. Soon it was time to harvest.

"Who will help me harvest the corn?" asked the Little Red Hen.

"Not I!" snarled the Pig. "These things must be accomplished by the Magic of the Yard!"

"Magic of the Yard!" cried the Sheep dutifully.

So the animals harvested the corn and ate. It may not have been a feast, but everyone was fed.

"You're doing it all wrong!" fulminated the Pig. "I eat first, and I eat most! That's the way it works! What's gotten into you all?"

"Aside from a bit of corn?" asked the Little Red Hen. "I don't know. Maybe it's the Magic of the Yard."