Cow

Country Girl

I lived in the country as a child, Running amok and almost wild! Down the icy hill we would sleigh In the Winter on a metal tray. But Summertime was the best- Free from school we had a rest. "Don't swim in the river" Mum would say " You can catch Polio in that way." Happily we bathed and paid no heed With toes squidging in mud and weed. On the bank, watching cows lazed And further afield the sheep grazed. I loved those days and getting wet. I loved the smell of the river and yet, It's the cows I most miss- One once gave me a tender kiss. As I fell asleep alone on the hill, In sadness I dozed completely still Comforted by the grass and clover, That's when the friendly cow came over. Her lick on my face was a surprise- I instantly opened up my eyes! She really gave me such a fright As her largeness loomed at first sight. But big friendly eyes I saw And wasn't afraid anymore. I swear I felt love on her part And a connection with her heart to heart. Her tongue was sandpapery and rough And slimy too but pleasant enough. "Perhaps she thought you were a flower or a calf" Said Mum when I told her with a laugh. But I don't think either were true. I think that cows have feelings too. I believe that cow instinctively knew As mothers always seem to do, That I was a young soul needing love When she kissed my face from above,