Cock-a-doodle-doo

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I’m in Portugal at the moment and there’s a cockerel nearby and he’s lost his ‘doodle doo’. He makes it as far as the beginning of the ‘doo’ and then his voice cracks to a wheezy sound. Poor fella. I can’t see him, but I envisage a battered looking character that has been pulled through a hedge backwards and is missing a few feathers.

Portuguese Barcelo’s Cockerel

I love the sound of the cockerel. It always evokes hot places and memories of travels abroad. In Spain the cockerel doesn’t say ‘Cock-a-doodle doo’. It says ‘Qui-quiri-qui’. (sounds like; kee- kiri -kee) Seriously!  I’ve heard them in Spain and believe me it’s ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo’ all the way. 

Lately I’m feeling a bit like the cockerel in more ways than one.  I’ve lost my voice.  Or I think I’ll call it my ‘doodle-doo’. When you shout out loud and nobody is listening, you just get tired of it all. I can hear it being said. (you see what you do is attack the messenger). ‘That angry woman. She just has sour grapes because she didn’t get her planning’.  Well, here’s my version of it.

‘That angry woman (no apologies) Who is angry because a powerful and conflicted planner, aided by his friends (all subordinates of his), stopped her family’s planning’.

Simple as. Except it’s not really that simple because of the collateral damage which we continue to live with. So, for the sake of our family, I will continue to be angry- if that’s ok. But I won’t get bitter – because that’s on me.

When I look up the symbolism of the cockerel it says “the rooster crows into your life to add to your bravery, pride, prudence, strength and honesty”.  It makes me smile. I especially love the fact that the cockerel (or rooster) is the symbol of Portugal – ‘a symbol of faith, good luck and justice based on the legend of the Old Cock of Barcelos’. I’ll take that too.

In Portugal the cockerel says ‘Co-co-ro-có.’  (beats the Spanish version). So maybe my friend has lost his ‘ro-có’, not his ‘doodle-do.’  But nevertheless, he keeps on trying. I’m inspired….

13 thoughts on “Cock-a-doodle-doo”

  1. you have every right to be angry and for as long as you deem necessary but dont let it eat the rest of your life/ you deserve every happiness for the rest of your life and you will get it. xx

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  2. As the saying goes “that which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

    Have a great break in Portugal. We are on a boat on Costa Del Shannon right now. We got lucky with the weather which is a real bonus.

    Next time you see Trish, ask her to tell the cockerel joke 😜.

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  3. Ah Alison
    What a tragedy and yes you are entitled to be angry and I have no doubt that these bullies and corrupt faceless officials will soon be exposed for what they are
    And the rooster will COCK A DOODLE DOO again in full voice
    Pat 😘

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  7. Alison
    Great writing Alison as usual.
    I too associate the Cock a doodle do with sunny climes abroad. Love it!
    You guys have gone through and continue to go through way too much for any family, and agree you have every right to be so angry.. that this was put on you due a corrupt system is just horrendous…
    Hope the holiday went well.Keep the faith and stay strong, and don’t lose your voice.Wishing you all better times ahead x

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