In bleak January, as calving season approaches, we check cows during the night. It’s usually a quiet, clear, and cold walk through the cattle yard with a flashlight. Above earth’s shadow, the Milky Way spills stars across an expectant sky. The rib of crescent moon leans toward eye of Venus blinking down on contented mamas-to-be.
They chew, then sigh with heavy breath as ribs expand to carry spring’s developing calves to term. Gentle bovine eyes shine with pregnant reflection behind frosty eyelashes, longer than winter. Some stand by empty bunk, licked clean, while others fold knobby legs and wide hooves underneath them to rest, barrel-bodied, on bedding straw. They turn their heavy heads, nostrils flare to smell, as I pass by.
What do cows think about, meditating on their cud? I do believe that “in their dreams, they sleep with the moo-n.”
Quote from Mary Oliver’s Death at Wind River; link to dVerse prosery.
a poem in my pocket 
Sep 15, 2020 @ 14:48:55
I love the humor in the end… the way you described the cows before that was so peaceful and pleasant.
Sep 16, 2020 @ 06:29:00
Except for the cold, I rather enjoy my night maternity rounds 🙂
Sep 15, 2020 @ 13:53:19
So, I see above that you really do raise cows. I wondered because this is such a fond, sweet picture of them. Lovely writing.
Sep 16, 2020 @ 06:27:46
Thank you kindly, Merril!
Sep 16, 2020 @ 08:49:38
You’re very welcome!
Sep 15, 2020 @ 13:29:23
Woww! ❤️❤️ Such exquisite wordsmithing here, Lynn 😀 I love; “Gentle bovine eyes shine with pregnant reflection behind frosty eyelashes, longer than winter.” Mooooo 🥰
Sep 16, 2020 @ 06:27:20
Aww, thanks, Sanaa…glad you enjoyed this!
Sep 15, 2020 @ 12:15:23
You are the cow whisperer Lynn… 🙂 I like your perspective herein!
Sep 15, 2020 @ 13:22:13
I appreciate your comment, Rob…thanks!
Sep 15, 2020 @ 10:20:44
I love the humour midst the daily responsibilities. I raised cattle once upon a time, they are delightful in my view and the story resonates.
Sep 15, 2020 @ 13:07:40
Thanks for your comment…cows are interesting creatures.
Sep 15, 2020 @ 18:40:14
Very much so. We had Herefords and they’re quite calm. I love their personalities.
Sep 16, 2020 @ 06:31:24
They definitely have personality! We had a Hereford bull years ago to cross with Angus for black/red baldies. Glad to know you share a love of cows 🙂
Sep 16, 2020 @ 07:14:38
Me too, it’s amazing what we discover along the way about others. Thank you Lyn. 🙂
Sep 14, 2020 @ 22:14:49
lol love your play on that last word Lynn … sounds like you do have cows?
Sep 14, 2020 @ 22:16:49
Thanks, Kate 🙂 Yes, we raise stock cows/calves on our family farm.
Sep 14, 2020 @ 22:20:33
aha then this story comes straight from your heart!
Sep 14, 2020 @ 22:24:46
❤