Counting Sheep.
Starting dawn-early in high country fields
search for lambing means folk,
asleep under snoring duvets must rouse
and yield to first birth-needs
before heading, quick coated from sleep
for cautious field-hunt
as motherly grunts hope warmth will clear
morning mist after night\'s
chilly effort to squeeze drop of new bleat.
Freshly-met woolly lamb scent greets day
to show darkness moves
pregnant ewes while as heaves disappear
farmers welcome birthed few
by counting sheep but must leave further
numbers in good luck\'s keeping.