Red-Roofed Lullaby

Balmy June air floats through my open window,

Penetrating my restless sleep and beckoning me to the haven:

The haven where hay is softer than my feather mattress

And the warm, tickling barnyard breath more comforting than flannel sheets.

The haven where slotted shutters shove the evil out,

And tall, white-washed walls secure the serenity.

Warm breath radiates from the horses, lumbering with cocked hind legs in straw-paddes stalls.

Black-and-white Bessies chew their cud,

And the piglets oink at their father for hogging the mud.

Three baby swallows chirp and flutter at attempted midnight flying lessons.

The goats in the corner grunt their protests.

Upstairs the hens squawk as they settle into their roost.

The rooster crows.

Dawn breaks.

Peace slips away.

No more time for the peace of animals who do not know hate or evil.

Only time for the war of humans who know neither love nor peace.

Until tomorrow night, Red Roof.