A Stray

Neighbors, neighbors, help me find
My breachy heifer, snatched or strayed.
Last night I closed her in her stall,
Bedded her down and fed her hay,
Today no answer when I call,
it sticks like thistles in my mind
To think what voice teased her away.
She had a barn secure and made
Safe from dogs, fresh yellow corn
To pad her ribs, since she was born
I’ve favored her and yet she’s gone.
Neighbors, have we spooked a thief,
somewhere a scrounger who has done
Vengeance with my heifer’s loss?
Still, if she’s wanton she might roam
The Lord knows where, it’s my belief
she’d not go far unless by force.
But where she went . . . I jig and toss
The same old coin: what sank the spur
To madden her— Oh, if you see,
neighbors, a track or sign of her
Publish the news, don’t spare your horse
But hurry and bring the word to me.