A Villanelle for the Cows

The cows press muzzles to the swelling green.

Their heavy bodies carried with much grace,

scattered, they complete the pastoral scene.

They leave the pasture close-mowed when they pass

and move across the grass with steady pace.

The cows press muzzles to the swelling green.

Their printed tracks in field, wood, brook are seen.

On hills they trample paths from every trace.

Scattered, they complete the pastoral scene.

When sunset dims their range they are serene,

and standing round the hills remain in place.

The cows press muzzles to the swelling green.

The coyote calls among the hills ring keen,

but cattle, undisturbed, still hold their space.

Scattered, they complete the pastoral scene.

All day their busy mouths crop, cut, and glean,

methodically, at slow but steady pace,

the cows press muzzles to the swelling green,

and scattered, they complete the pastoral scene.