The cattle were bellowing in the early morning
And I couldn't understand why.
I was new to the country, was this a warning
That something had gone awry?
Well I worried of course that something was wrong
And I couldn't get back to sleep
So I got out of bed and looked 'cross the field
But from these cows there wasn't a peep.
Then I realized t'was the cows from next door
That were causing the rumpus, it seemed
I checked with the neighbors to see what was wrong
And they told me the calves were being weaned.
Weaning the calves meant only one thing
And I dreaded this time every year.
The truck would come by and take them away
I wondered would they be in fear.
I felt for the mothers whose young were now gone
And wondered if animals grieved
Do they feel the deep pain at this very great loss?
Or do they feel somewhat relieved?
I could not be a farmer, raise up little calves
Then send them away to be killed
I'd make pets of them all and not let them go
My farm would have to be tilled.