Windmills and Stone Stables
The work explores the transformation of agricultural practices and animal husbandry through advancements in technology and infrastructure. It contrasts the hardships faced by livestock in earlier times with the improvements brought about by innovations such as windmills and stone stables. The narrative begins by highlighting the struggles of cows in the past, suffering from inadequate water supply and exposure to cold conditions. It emphasizes the significance of windmills in providing a reliable source of water, which enhances the well-being of the animals. The introduction of stone stables is presented as a crucial development, offering protection from harsh weather and ensuring the cows' comfort. As the poem progresses, it illustrates the positive impact of proper care and feeding on milk production. The text advocates for a balanced diet, including bran slops and salt, to optimize the cows' health and productivity. It also stresses the importance of a calm environment, free from disturbances such as chasing dogs, allowing the animals to thrive. Overall, the work serves as a celebration of agricultural progress, underscoring the relationship between improved living conditions for livestock and increased agricultural output. It reflects a broader theme of human ingenuity in enhancing the quality of life for both animals and farmers.
By James McIntyre · First published 1995 · Genre: Poetry, Agricultural Literature, Nature Writing · 159 words
First lines
Cows suffered in the days of old For want of water and from cold, Now of good water they have fill For it is pumped by the windmill.
No matter how well cows were fed They suffered cold in their board shed, But good stone walls now them enfold, And they are warm and safe from cold.
Now they do enjoy their fodder, And repay with their full udder, If bran slops you on cow bestow Of milk it will increase the flow.
And in your efforts do not halt But let them daily lick the salt, And never let the dogs them chase, But let them walk at their quiet pace.
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Windmills and Stone Stables is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1995 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1995 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Agricultural Literature, Nature Writing, Humor, Historical Literature
- Length: 159 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Agricultural Literature — The themes focus on farming practices, livestock care, and improvements in agricultural technology.
- Nature Writing — The poem reflects on the relationship between animals and their environment, emphasizing natural elements.
- Humor — The light-hearted tone and playful language suggest elements of humor in the portrayal of farm life.
Tags
Fiction · Literary Fiction · Poetic Prose · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology · Nature · Rural Setting · Isolation · Solitude