Mother

From over the rise

I hear her cries

A deep and bellowing sound

I halt to listen

My eyes aglisten 

And head toward the mound

A grunt and a groan

Then a guttural moan

A cow in labour found

Takes long inhale

Gives lengthy wail

As she shifts her weight from ground

She rises to stand

And her eyes command my gaze

as calf is crowned

It tumbles fast

To land on grass

Its mother's joy newfound

With rhythmic murmur

Licks it clean

Her message quite profound

The bond is made

Discomfort fades

As joy of birth astounds

As herd approach

To welcome calf

She makes a gentle sound

And o'er the rise

I back away

My sense of wonder found