Julie Snider's first taste of literary acclaim came in seventh grade, when she was elected to edit the class newspaper. Seeing her own work in print whetted her appetite for writing pieces she could share with others. After teaching in public schools for nearly 30 years, she's excited to be writing more than lesson plans. She blends truth, humor, and social awareness into the fabric of her fiction and nonfiction. A member of the board of directors of the California Writing Club, Sacramento branch, her short-form fiction has been published by Little Old Lady and California Update. She publishes nonfiction essays on her Substack site. CHAPEL BAY SECRETS is Julie's debut novel.
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The Trouble with Turkeys
The Trouble with Turkeys
From 1959 through 1999, the California Department of Fish and Game introduced thousands of live-trapped wild turkeys at over 200 locations in California. There are now over 6 million wild turkeys wandering in North America. People consider this a major conservation success story. As many of us can attest, they are surviving and thriving in our urban and suburban environments. Wild turkeys stroll with abandon through my neighborhood. Some benefits of having the turkeys include insect control, weed control, seed dispersal, and the obvious pleasure of just observing their colorful displays and antics.
And yet, they are voracious consumers of endangered reptiles and amphibians. They compete for food and shelter with native species. They also spread plant diseases such as sudden oak death. Are they friend or foe? Delightful curiosity of cul-de-sacs or scourge of the streets?
Returning home from my morning stroll, brain fully caffeinated, the song “Turkey in the Straw” flew into my pea brain. I thought of my violin sitting in the coat closet. I’d all but given up playing a few years ago as arthritis in my hands and wrists makes the delicate movements on fingerboard and bow quite difficult. I threw caution to the wind, grabbed the black case from underneath a bag of rags, and opened it. After warming up with a few scales (wow, I can still do this!) I launched into the old chestnut.
Ah, but here’s the rub. I opened my laptop and looked up “Turkey in the Straw.” What I read on the internet gave me pause. The tune known as “Turkey in the Straw” was once a minstrel show favorite bearing a derogatory term. Yikes! I don’t want to play something that has racist undertones! Oh, but I found a saving grace. A proposed link between this tune and an old English ballad known as “The Old Rose Tree” exists. That’s the one I’m going with.
Oh fowl one, forever shall I sing your praises, play your tunes, and slice into your well-cooked breast. May the turkey continue to cause trouble and bring joy. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
~ Julie Snider
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