The cows are masks
of untapped energy
following single file
on bleached growth
saturated by the sun
shuffling along as a
ragtag remnant
of a once proud platoon
stretching tongues
towards a diminishing
slough over the next ridge
sun whipping
field dry and bumpy
passionate in their yearning
they stumble along
in pursuit of one precious
gulp of water.
© Richard L. Provencher
Comments
lavadis | January 11, 2012 - 12:58
I very much like the cows being masks. Good poem
fatboy74 | January 11, 2012 - 13:45
Nice one richard.
skinner_jennifer | January 11, 2012 - 14:14
You really gave me something to think about, with
this poem Richard. It moved along nicely.
Congratulations on the cherries, well deserved.
Hope you have a very Happy and prosperous New Year.
To you and yours.
Jenny.
Rhiannonw | January 11, 2012 - 16:09
Makes me appreciate my tap and kettle.evocative.
Rh
Richard L. Prov... | January 11, 2012 - 16:36
Lavadis--your comment and encouraging words are very much appreciated. Cows can fool you with their straight-laced features, but looking closely betrays their emotions. Richard LP
Richard L. Prov... | January 11, 2012 - 16:38
Thank you, F74 and a great New Year for you too! Richard LP
Richard L. Prov... | January 11, 2012 - 16:43
Jenny, so many ask me, "What should I write about?" I ask them to close their eyes for at least ten seconds. Then open them and turn in a full circle taking in everything surrounding them. If they look hard, as I suggest, they can see the tree with a missing bough, a car with two exhaust pipes, a mother pushing three children in one buggy, and an older lady shuffling along with a large smile to share. Richard LP ps. J--thank you for your continued support.
Richard L. Prov... | January 11, 2012 - 16:49
Hello Rh, thank you for your support. Yes, the cherries are nice, and this poem makes me thirsty as I re-read it. Will get a nice glass of water from my tap in a moment. Writing is fun at any age, eh? When I was very young, my wife and I agree 30 was quite far off. Now it is a trail of mist far behind. Richard LP
Edenfalls | January 11, 2012 - 19:47
Hi Richard, I liked this a lot. Simple and short but very descriptive and memorable. I had to read it a few times!
scratch | January 11, 2012 - 20:51
Well that's very good Richard. Your poetry took us there and that's the key to it. Thanks for sharing.
scratch | January 11, 2012 - 20:55
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Richard L. Prov... | January 12, 2012 - 00:44
Hi Edenfalls, short and sweet, eh? Thank you for your good wishes. I watched those cows with fascination, how they plodded back and forth seeking the scent of moisture; all in single file. Richard LP
Denzella | January 12, 2012 - 07:22
Hello Richard,
I too really liked this poem. Your pared back descriptive verse gave me a dry mouth. I also much admire your economy with words and cows do always seem to be stretching their tongues. Something I hadn't thought about till reading your poem.
Richard L. Prov... | January 13, 2012 - 01:53
Your comments, Denzella, are precious. I try to peel back the mask of innuendos, flattering costumes, and get into the soul of my subjects. Also, a writer must research their subjects, mostly through focused observances. My daughter and her husband have a small ranch in Alberta with Dexter (miniature cows) and during our visits I watched them perform for me. Cheers, from Esther and Richard.
Denzella | January 13, 2012 - 06:30
Hello Richard,
My previous next door neighbours kept Dexters. They're red if I remember correctly.
Regards to Esther too.
Richard L. Prov... | January 13, 2012 - 12:41
Holy cow! Red ones must be colourful against the green landscape. Why not write a poem about them? It is amazing how our memories remember details, the way they plod, the crook of their necks, the way they glance around as if inhaling life. Cheers. R and E.