Market Day – Adele Cordner

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