T’was the Night Before a Snow Storm
By Sheri Palko
T’was the night before a snow storm, when all through the farm
Not a creature was stirring in pasture or barn.
The stock tanks were full and de-icers in place,
And extra buckets were filled to the brim, just in case.
The sheep they were nestled out under the trees,
With visions of alfalfa piled high to their knees.
And papa in his carhartts, and I in mine too,
Put out plenty of hay for the entire crew.
When out in the pasture there arose such clatter,
I sprang from the tractor to see what was the matter.
Away to the gate I flew like a flash,
And what do I find but a frozen gate latch.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When what to my wondering eyes see through the glare,
A newborn lamb – no wait, it’s a PAIR!
With a protective new mama, they were as white as the snow,
How I spied them at all we will never really know.
With wind howling around and the chattering of teeth,
And the gate in the way, maybe I’d crawl underneath.
More exposed to the elements than I really did like,
I tore the gate off the hinges to get to the site.
As I approached like a whirlwind and the ewe she did paw,
I knew those lambs really needed a new bed of straw.
So under each arm, those new lambs they did go,
With momma following close, trudging through the deep snow.
The ewe knew the barn provided shelter from harm,
Where she could dry her new lambs, and feed them in the warm.
With the shelter around them, and clean straw for a bed,
I retired for the night with nothing to dread.
The ewe she would care for her sweet little lambs,
My duty was done, the end of the day’s demands.
I retired to the house, finally a building that was heated,
Where the warmth of the fire and hot cider awaited.
As I crawled into bed, all warm, dry and snuggly.
I thanked God for our roof, food and wonderful family.
So I close my eyes knowing that all will be fine,
I’ve see to all that I can for the safety of mine.
The morning would bring carhartts with boots and warm gloves.
More precious new lambs, and a life that I love.