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Booleying Time
she rests beside
their crooked hillside shelter
her sister’s breath
past woven walls
whistles
softly in
softly out
darkness mist
hooves heavy on soft earth
black shapes barely seen
mutter
now and then emit
low complaint
summer night is fresh
skin tingling
she sings
sings to you to keep them
well and safe
to lull her fears and keep her
well awake
no wolves tonight
cows grow fat on mountain flowers
hides sleeken
udders swell
and every day
butter for her to eat
far below
mother only now is resting
father close beside her
and brothers on the straw
soon
little horned ones
we will go down to meet them
Brigit be your shield
from deer-pits and raiding men
falls from sudden cliffs
hush my darlings
don’t worry
valley grass grows long
there’ll be no repast of holly twigs
and fallen leaves
for you back home
Booleying—summer pasturage in
the hills to allow the valleys to recover their growth of grasses it takes
place from Bealtaine to Samhain; cattle from several herds of connected
landholders may be booleyed in common by younger people, usually in single
gender groups.
Osier—willow used in basketry and as wattles.
Image: This work has been released into the public domain by its author, Youngbohemian. This applies worldwide.
Poem: Copyright Casey June Wolf (2015).
