This stockman understands his cattle well;
he knows each bovine personality.
If list’ning to the farmer’s show and tell,
you just might learn which traits he thinks are key.
It’s easy to see why he prized that cow;
her gentleness was evident to all.
She would not kick or ever cause a row;
when calving, she walked calmly to the stall.
That morning lay this black cow in the dust;
for farmer’s eyes a sadness to behold.
He kneels beside the vet, whose words he trust.
No more fine, healthy calves from her be sold.
All creatures are destined to die at last.
We grieve, yet grateful, for a life well passed.
a poem in my pocket 
Apr 03, 2014 @ 02:27:21
this was special – I still remember my farming grandparents and how they loved their animals
Apr 03, 2014 @ 01:02:57
This is really sad really. You allow the reader to FEEL what the cattleman is feeling as he faces the death of his beloved cow.
Apr 02, 2014 @ 18:44:31
sometimes it’s sad that we outlive all our beloved pets.. getting a turtle is kind of the opposite though… but I can understand the devotion to that cow.. beside all the value she provide.
Apr 02, 2014 @ 08:35:51
My grandmother had a devoted, beautiful, uncomplaining cow and this poem reminded me of her. Farmers aren’t usually sentimental about their flock, but there is always one special one…
Apr 01, 2014 @ 23:59:09
great poem… echoing Sherry – those closing lines did it for me as well.
Apr 01, 2014 @ 23:38:59
This is such a fine poem and I love the closing lines especially.