Husbandry.
She whistles her charges with shrill treble then in distant field
flicking ears hear, wide shoulders flex,
tongues slick thirsty lips while giant heads, raising from dozes
among lush marigolds slowly stretch.
Flanks heave upward and as un-gainly frames meander home
vacant wide eyes gaze into sunset.
Mooing with milk-weight cows move toward barn where waits
meal of hay while maid's cool hands calm
full udders by touch of experience for care dis-arms agitation
when lactating heat begets alarm.
Result of converted meadow-grass shows in nectar conveyed
by farmers' lasses from glebe to barn.
Chewing late cud large inmates take patient turns for gaining
relief while the girl's parlour-pail
fills and spills pearls at each flick of tail, her supper must wait
while curdling liquid coagulates.
Bovines react by responding to kindness and discrimination
for husbandry, taught from the cradle,
knows brimming founts require good feed and loving labour.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: January 18th, 2019 05:18
- Comment from author about the poem: A tribute to all the young females who willing help in making a living from the land and the cattle thereon.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 45
- Users favorite of this poem: Laura🌻, Joseph M Marion.
Offline)
Comments10
Ah the rusticity of yesteryear - great piece as always Fay.
Thanks a load Michael. They rustics need some recognition methinks.
I really like "while the girl's parlour-pail
fills and spills pearls at each flick of tail"
Ah - thanks for highlighting that phrase Mark - - I thought it was telling quite a true "tale"
My dear Fay,
This poem would’ve delighted my grandmother! When my mom speaks of her, I visualize my grandmother exactly as the young woman in the pic you cleverly chose to complement your wonderful poem!
“ while maid’s cool hands calm full udders by touch of experience for care dis-arms agitation when lactating heat begets alarm.”
“Bovines react by responding to kindness and discrimination for husbandry,”...
A delightful read. Thank you for sharing this super write!
~Laura~
Am delighted that this read brought back your early memories of grandma milking in such a similar parlour - - - those soft handed and hearted girls were and still are vital for handling dairy cattle. Thank you so much for the comment.
🌻My pleasure,
dear Fay! 🌻
A fine write Fay.
Many thanks for your visit and read dear Orchi.
I read this poem earlier today before I went out... and decided it deserved further consideration... when I returned, had you changed the title... tis a smashing poem, an unusual but most interesting topic.. very much enjoyed on each occasion I have read it through and am likely to be back later for another peek..... N
Ha - - yes I decided to change the title to something I thought more appropriate Neville - apologies if this caused confusion - - so so glad you merit a second read about the vital work done by the daughters of farmers to help with the living - - milking is a 24/7 job of course. Bless you for your continued support of my work dear poet-friend.
my pleasure as always my friend.. am glad my powers of observation are still intact.. as is my short term memory...
Great tribute to some fine hardworking people.
Humble thanks for this comment dear Goldi - I agree that such people are very hardworking and deserve recognition.
A late brother-in-law was a dairy farmer and introduced me to some of his Ladies in the milking parlour. He knew each very well and took pleasure in telling me of their individual personalities as the machinery chugged away.
Truly was an eye opener and i look upon our bovine fellow residents of Earth with an enriched regard for his kind and knowing words.
All the above brought back by your romantic study.
So pleased that the read raised up gone time when milking girls laboured in all sorts of weather and how their special breed work hard to this day. Your late brother -in -law sounds a wise and knowing man. Thanks for the share of your own milky memories.
LOVE THE Picture & Poem FAY : Thanks for caring ! I always feel Milk Maids would make good Physios : gentle touch & a real empathy with their Bovine Clients ! The Cows move into the Miking Parlour knowing the the Milk Maid wil enjoy the proces of milking and reducing the pressure of latation !
A Biohemical Mirxcle has taken place ! A Brown Cow eating Green Grass has converted it into White Milk & Cream for Cornish Cream Teas ~ AMEN !
Just like HUMANS all Cows respond to kindness & gentleness and it is reflected in the YIELD ! Contented Cows produce Good Milk !
Love in the Spirit ANGELA 🧡🧡🧡🧡
You are so right when you see makings of physiotherapists in some of these milking maids - coping with cattle needs special strength whether male or female - - you saw through the read how miraculous the turn is from green grass to milk's creamy treat. The same kindness in humans of differing trades is needed for experiencing true success. Thanks so much for your in-put - sending you loving hugs.xxxx from Fay
I have never been anywhere near a dairy in my life. However your poem painted such a picture that I felt that I had!
Ah - - humble thanks for this lovely comment and am delighted that my words brought the scene to life for you -- some small farms in Cornwall still keep a few cows and maids in these out-of-way places milk only by hand - - if you like milk try to purchase the raw organically produced and just taste the difference. Am so grateful for your visit and in-put
Wow love it very good
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