A Surprising Concert Venue

When I was a child, my dad taught us a song called “All God’s Creatures”. The words go something like this: “All God’s creatures got a place in the choir. Some sing low, some sing higher and some sing out loud on a telephone wire, and some just clap their hands, or paws or anything they’ve got now….”.

This song came to my mind as I was milking tonight. It started with the magically musical sound of the streams of fresh milk hitting the side of the stainless steel milk bucket. This represented the brass section of the orchestra. Then the calves piped up with a couple of low moos which sounded like a woodwind section duet. Then I heard Jeff outside in the pasture with the wheelbarrow and it sounded like he had joined in with percussions. Adding to the percussion section, was the rhythmic sound of Jersey chewing her hay and Mocha keeping time by slurping her water.

Then I got to listening with new ears and thinking of all the sounds I hear in the barn when it’s somewhat quiet.  This morning, the birds were definitely singing soprano and alto parts. When the calves get their bellering going, they have a perfect pitched alto and baritone duet. When Mocha is wanting to be heard, her voice definitely carries the bass section! Occasionally, Jersey will join in with a much quieter harmony.  Other contributions to the barn’s musical talents are the rain on the metal roof, and most recently, when all four bovine choose to blend together for a rousing quartet special.

I have often thought how peaceful the quiet of the barn is when I am milking, but I am so thankful that my ears and spirit woke up to the wonderfully creative and beautiful concert I am privileged to attend twice each day!