Calling the Cows by C. H. Stone

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 20, 1911

Calling the Cows

By C. H. Stone

The evening sky is all aglow; The sunlight falls in last caress Upon the hills, and seems to press A parting kiss; the poplars throw Their lengthening shadows on the grass. Bearing their clover-gathered store, Belated bees now homeward pass; The stir and heat of day are o’er, But on the evening calm I hear A bell-like summons ringing clear, “Co’, boss! Co’, boss!”

An answering note comes faintly back, The tinkle of a distant bell; From rocky slope and leafy dell Following many a well-worn track, The meek-eyed cows come down and pass Yonder to the milking-sheds, Cropping the sweet and dewy grass, Fragrant with bending clover-heads, In calm contentment, one and all Obedient to the evening call, “Co’, boss! Co’, boss!”

The drowsy bell is heard no more; The birds and beasts have gone to rest, Seeking on nature’s loving breast The balm she ever holds in store. One by one the peaceful stars, God’s acolytes, illume the sky; And still I lean upon the bars, And muse on happy days gone by When I, as evening’s mantle fell, Called home the cows from hill and dell, “Co’, boss! Co’, boss!”

— C. H. Stone.