The Highland Cow
The cello slits on her nose release a melodious moo.
Her copper pelt is soft as a maidenhair.
Spittle sits in the silky folds of her mouth,
Like seeds of milky dew.
Through the heavy fringe at her eyes
A bovine Boadicea, horned and hairy
She watches me, unblinking,
Turns the rump of her rudder
Snorts and leaves, ponderous as a liner
Slipping out of a narrow harbour
The brown towe of her tail
Swinging medallions of dung.
Highland Cow by Sheena Blackhall
