Day 1:
around midnight
over the sound machine
something woke me
I heard it ~
the bumping
at first
I thought it was
in the attic
(a squirrel? raccoon?)
something bigger than
the occasional field mouse
so common on our farm
but then
it was at my
head, behind the wall
my husband
heard it too
sprang into action
flipped the switch
floodlights revealing
a herd of cows
grazing in the grass
inches from our windows
two bulls
one black and white
one milk and dark chocolate
matching my leather purse
from White Oak Pastures
in South Georgia
my husband gave me last Christmas
I’d heard closer than usual mooing
from Wayne and Janice’s field
right at the fence line
behind our barn
earlier in the day
It’s okay, I told him~
probably Wayne’s cows
we’ll call in the morning
right now it’s a win-win
they’re cutting the grass
their midnight snack
we settled back in
mended our broken sleep
Common Threads 
I am reminded of my African safari back in 2016. I could not sleep because the cape buffalo herded through each night stomping and chomping. Even knowing what they were did not comfort me. I’m glad the knowledge calmed you back to slumber.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Margaret! We could tell they were friendly cows – but still, those bulls are unpredictable. What amazing memories you have with the safari!
LikeLike
Kim, what an adventure! I did not expect cows. Hamburger delivering itself! Where are the photos? It’s not everyday one gets a cow view right next to the window. Of course, Boo Radley gets all the accolades for inspiring g this poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Glenda! Thanks! Yes, I will add some cow photos tomorrow. I’m so glad Boo kept the cows from
Invading.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure I know too many people who are going to be woken up by cows outside their windows– a fun peek into your existence!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Melanie! In the 1970s, this farm was named the Johnson Funny Farm, and every day again proves why in some way. It lives up to its name. Thanks for reading today!
LikeLike
Fascinating, Kim! I love the rhythms of your farm life, even if it’s cows going bump in the night. Somehow I find peace in their proximity. Neighbors up the road here have a little donkey (a Jerusalem donkey, with a cross on its back) and I want one so much. Your description of the cow matching your purse -!! Yikes! I especially love that ending line on mending your broken sleep – so lyrical and lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jerusalem donkeys will appear in tomorrow’s poem. I chased two of them with neighbors a few weeks back!
LikeLiked by 1 person
OK, now you’ve got me hooked. A serial poem. I so loved the way you went on little side descriptions here, Kim. This is so precious how the color of the bull reminded you of the purse your husband got you:
one milk and dark chocolate
matching my leather purse
from White Oak Pastures
in South Georgia
my husband gave me last Christmas
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I like your name for it – a serial poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I would have found that to be very unsettling. Terrible surprise for the middle of the night. I love that you told the story as a poem, and I adore your positive attitude here –
right now it’s a win-win
they’re cutting the grass
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Maureen!
LikeLike