Even before the crack of dawn <br />I would be in the barn, yawning <br />but ready to do the essentials. <br />Susie, the Jersey, cantankerous, <br />tough, tail-happy and accurate, <br />but supplier of rich life-giving milk. <br /> On that Sunday, the 4th of July,1976, <br />the fateful day for my very own <br />bicentennial baby, due soon, <br />I was in lone command of the barn. <br /> <br />It wouldn't be long now, she had, <br />experienced giver of new life, <br />pronounced herself 'over-proof'. <br />Waiting upstairs, lounging in bed. <br /> <br />Hurrying now, one bucket aside, <br />one more to milk with hasty fingers, <br />and perhaps there was time for <br />a leisurely, but brief brekkie in bed. <br /> <br />Murphy's law, with impeccable timing, <br />allows a very good sized rat, gray, <br />to fall into and start swimming in <br />panic, hoping, praying the rat's prayer. <br />No time today for this foolishness, <br />dammit, no TIME, well let me see. <br /> <br />Quickly, ungentlemanly, gingerly, <br />fishing out is what I do, now, <br />saving lives is always on, or is it? <br />Pathetic he looks, white beard, <br />not unlike a wet rag of evil spirit, <br />thief of the night, respecter of nothing, <br />with a brain to match my instinct. <br /> <br />Off he hobbles, unhurried, unafraid, <br />now that he has seen a miracle, <br />performed for his soul, dark as it is. <br />Mocking me now, the grain bin, <br />it's on the way, after all, one mouthful, <br />and freedom beckons from the hayloft. <br /> <br />No one is watching, not a soul, human or <br />anything else capable of laughter and <br />indignation, the earthenware bowl is huge, <br />all the rest of Susie's gift will be awaiting <br />those who need it. After all, it is Sunday. <br />The fourth of July. What's a little bit of <br />human kindness on a day like this?<br /><br />Herbert Nehrlich<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/what-price-kindness/
