Country Veterinarian

The old country vet traversed Henry County over hill and dell.

He was a familiar sight in his buggy pulled by his horse, old Nelly Bell!

He served farmers and ranchers for nigh on two generations,

Deliverin' calves, foals and lambs and performin' tricky operations.

He left the comfort of his bed on many a cold and blustery night,

To help a cow deliver her calf by the mellow glow of a lantern light.

He'd been kicked by cantankerous mules and butted by grumpy goats;

Spat upon by numerous llamas and trampled by chargin' shoats;

Bitten by mean old junkyard dogs and clawed by feral cats;

Gored by irate bulls and pestered by stingin' gnats!

He witnessed the miracle of birth durin' his practice of many years,

And won the confidence of his clients and the esteem of his peers.

Though he had some book learnin' he mostly taught himself.

He never aspired to become rich and had little of the world's pelf.

He recognized that God created all creatures great and small,

And suffered the hazards of the job to treat and love them all!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(c) 2015 All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Eastman Avatar
September 4, 2015 at 3:12 PM
I never get enough of what you write!
A   Avatar
August 27, 2015 at 11:16 PM
such a blessed man, it's all about loving what you do not many can say they enjoy what you do rich in life you become, enjoyed this one:) pd
Bauer Avatar
August 20, 2015 at 4:55 PM
i haven't been on the site as much as i'd like to be so i've missed some of your poems, bob. i'm glad i found this one, though - it's written in that delightful voice that i so enjoy. hope all is well...
Hinshaw Avatar
August 26, 2015 at 10:59 AM
Thank you, Ilene. Sorry for not having responded earlier but my 'puter has been on the fritz. Hopefully, all OK now.
Laurie Avatar
August 12, 2015 at 7:57 PM
G'day Robert... brought back a couple of memories here with my own experiences helping vets delivering calves. One was to keep a bull away, now THAT was an experience. A nice tribute to a much needed helper on the farms - Lindsay
Hinshaw Avatar
August 17, 2015 at 7:34 PM
Glad you enjoyed, Lindsay. Sorry I haven't responded sooner by my dad-gum computer was on the fritz for a week and I'm playing catch up. Bob
Smith Avatar
August 8, 2015 at 3:06 PM
A terrific story Bob. I really enjoyed it. The country vets do an exceptional and thankless job...Tim
Hinshaw Avatar
August 17, 2015 at 7:35 PM
Thank you, Tim - glad you enjoyed. I would have responded earlier but my computer has been on the fritz for a week - Bob
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace