When all is Quiet on the Farm

I woke this morning 

to

the phone ringing.

I went out to 

let the horses out on pasture

and I heard

birds chirping

and geese waddling in the weeds

I heard clucking 

and panting dogs

I heard the stamp of hooves

but

I did not hear 

the crows of the 

rooster(s).

I feel guilty.

I gave the order.

The girls all had 

their faces

plastered to the glass

in 

absolute fascination.

I cleaned.

I ran the water.

I banged pots

I did anything

NOT

to hear the dying sounds

of the rooster.

I used to think

I had a thick skin

when it came to the

facts of life.

I have been on the end 

of many ropes while 

our horses have been 

euthanized

I have gone hunting with my dad

and while I have

NO desire to shoot 

anything

it did not bug me when he did

BUT

I am left

feeling a little guilty today

on a quieter than normal farm.