Poem #25: Bringing in the Cows

One of my favorite chores to be done on the farm was getting the cows to the barn for milking. Now, most of the herd would know exactly when to come in to be milked and get a tasty meal, however, a few stragglers would always want to stay outside, whether because they were tending to a new calf, preferred the haybale or pasture to munch on, or were just plain contrary. 

I especially enjoyed the solitude, peace, and beauty of rounding up the herd on a calm winter night, when the air wasn't too cold but the world still seemed hushed in anticipation of spring. I also liked that I never knew what to expect and you really couldn't get complacent - just when you think getting the herd will be easy, you find a heifer on the wrong side of the fence. So I wanted to capture just a bit of that experience to share. 

*Disclaimer: Never, ever approach a momma cow and her baby calf unless you know the mother will not charge you - in fact, just always expect that she will charge and be ready to run. In the following poem, I did not get charged. :)