Market Day Our neighbours are suddenly vocal, capering around the field in a right hullabaloo. The tractor engine strains as its loaded trailer bumps towards the far gate. A lone bullock breaks away from the fractured herd and stumbles awkwardly after. He can’t catch up, stops dead, midfield, throws back his head and lows. Heavy-hooved, the others join him, stand, and add their voices to a wailing round. It goes on all night and into morning; cattle left behind mourning for the chosen ones. Adele Cordner