We were dressed, ready to leave for worship when farmer husband heard bellowing. He backed pick-up to check inside shed. A new calf had arrived but mama was upset and attacking it. “You go on to church,” he told us, taking off his good coat.
She was a first-time mother; nervous and skittish post-partum. She circled stall wild-eyed. He put cow in head gate so calf could safely nurse and drink the vital colostrum. Even after hobbling cow’s back legs so she couldn’t kick and tying her head with short rope so she couldn’t box, she wasn’t bonding with calf.
I sternly lectured cow about her important role as mother. I spoke gently to baby, petting him in view of mama. We decided to try putting them together. There are moments caught between heartbeats…mama sniffed, then licked her baby.
Prosery is a short story (exactly 144 words). It includes a line from another author’s poem; in this case the poem, Coda, by MacNeice. Part flash fiction but based on a real experience 🙂 Kim is hosting at dVerse Poets pub today.
a poem in my pocket 
Feb 20, 2020 @ 10:45:26
Having spent 20+ years in Iowa many many years ago….I LOVE this story! It just made me smile. And most especially that ending. I am broadly smiling!
Feb 20, 2020 @ 14:44:51
I knew you’d appreciate it, Lillian…thanks for your comments!
Feb 18, 2020 @ 14:18:50
I love how it ended well… that moment of bonding must be so important for both calf and cow.
Feb 18, 2020 @ 11:27:03
Glad mama cow got the hang of it.
Much❤lovr
Feb 18, 2020 @ 11:40:48
We are too!
Feb 18, 2020 @ 06:58:20
Having raised cattle this is a delightful reconciliation – quite real too, a story that speaks of deeper things, care, compassion, commitment.
Feb 18, 2020 @ 10:01:04
Thanks for your comment! Cattle are interesting creatures 🙂
Feb 18, 2020 @ 18:27:18
They sure are, and not as dumb as portrayed often.
Feb 18, 2020 @ 04:30:48
The best of outcomes 🙂
Feb 18, 2020 @ 01:16:32
I always enjoy your stories and poems about your farm, Lynn, and this one plucked hard on my heart-strings. Aren’t all first-time mothers nervous? I love the way you resolved the problem.
Feb 18, 2020 @ 05:48:31
It was an amazing turn-about! Thanks for the prosery prompt, Kim.
Feb 17, 2020 @ 22:10:13
Lynn, your story touched my heart ❤
Feb 18, 2020 @ 05:47:32
Thanks, Lisa. Glad it did 🙂
Feb 18, 2020 @ 15:29:49
You’re welcome.
Feb 17, 2020 @ 18:06:34
Ah! A good ending. I like this:)
Pat
Feb 17, 2020 @ 20:24:03
🙂
Feb 17, 2020 @ 17:14:13
Great story Lynn, love the imagery
Feb 17, 2020 @ 20:24:21
Thanks, Brenda!
Feb 17, 2020 @ 16:50:40
Very sweet story and I was so happy at the tender ending!
Feb 17, 2020 @ 16:55:58
Thanks for reading, Victoria!
Feb 17, 2020 @ 16:49:17
from an experience Mama to a new one, a very special moment caught and baby received the love
Feb 17, 2020 @ 16:50:12
Yes 🙂
Feb 17, 2020 @ 16:38:56
A lovely story, that feels real; or an effective metaphor, a lesson in life; enjoyed it.
Feb 17, 2020 @ 16:41:58
Thanks, Glenn! Story based on real experience and glad you enjoyed it 🙂