Late at night... on the farm

I was up last night, coughing and listening to the noises.  This came to mind, so I decided to share...


Late at night,
You lie awake, listening to the roosters, to the goats,
To all the animals talking back and forth.sometimes going outside to check on them
Over and over.

Late at night,
Every sound near the incubator sounds like babies hatching,
Every dog outside sounds like
Coyotes coming to take the animals you are devoted to.

Late at night,
Every cough down the hall brings you to your feet to check,
The little one's puppy nestling closer,
The big one pulls more blankets to her chin.

Late at night,
Every movement I make leads the old dog to wander the halls,
Not settling in
Unless he can see me.

Late at night,
You redesign pens and think about who needs what,
You wonder if you could possibly
Do enough for your animals, children, home.
-me