Once upon a time, in a barnyard located in an exclusive part of the country, lived a rooster of nobility. Very handsome, this rooster had the reddest comb, the brightest beak and the most delicately preened feathers. Unfortunately, for those who lived with him, he was also the most vain.
Every day when the doors to the coop where opened, and the residents were allowed to go scratch for food, the rooster would strut among the hens keeping a sharp eye on their progress. Slyly watching, he would search for a hen digging up a choice bug, and then boldly pushing her aside, he would proceed to gulp it down, leaving her discouraged and very hungry. To himself, he would smile and praise himself, on his wonderful personality.
One day, a new member moved into the barnyard. Far more beautiful than the rooster, this fellow was a rose among weeds. His feathers were bright indeed and he was with great effort the rooster kept his beak yellow instead of the tell tale green.
Upon careful investigation, the rooster discovered this elegant creature was a turkey. This seemed to make no difference to the hens. For with his coming also came change. No longer would they put up with the rooster's foolish pride and lordly manners. More humiliating were the ooh's and ah's they would mutter as the turkey walked by. They would gaze longingly and the rooster could see his leadership faltering.
Deciding he must have some of the turkey's beautiful attire, the rooster began following him, hoping to catch feathers as they fell from the turkey's broad back. Much to his pleasure, the turkey was molting and a great many of the feathers fell out in a short time.
After a week, the rooster felt he had enough feathers to brighten his drab suit. Hiding the feathers, he waited for the next rain. As soon as he was allowed into the yard, he slunk to a mud puddle and struck the feathers on with the thick black mud. Finished, he strutted to the center of the yard, where he was greeted with compliments and praise. The rooster was now happy.
Continuing in this manner for a number of days, the roster gained back his rule. Everyday he would restick his feathers and soon his vanity returned. With it he gained weight. For he again resorted to stealing food and badgering the hens.
Unknown to the rooster, the farmer, a man deaf and half blind was planning a turkey dinner. Sunday arrived and with it the ax and the farmer. Being nearsighted, the farmer grabbed the bright feathered, fat rooster. The rooster crowed to the hens and the turkey but they were sick of his proud ways and said nothing. Therefore, the coming of dinner showed the rooster killed, the farmer eating particularly tough turkey and the turkey ruling in the manner of a true leader, which only goes to show, "the roosters of today, are the turkey's of tomorrow."