my favourite things/ my goats call me

my goats call me
from the moment they hear me
come out of the house
until I squeak my bicycle's brakes
at the garden gate

they call me
they wait at the gate
for their goatherder

this old goat lady

three carloads of kids and adults
unpacked themselves as I came to do afternoon chores

instead I let out all the mamas and babas
from their stalls into the running area
and we all played

the children had no questions
they simply picked up day old babas and week old ones
and snuggled and cooed sweet babblings
that the beastlies immediately understood
to be love and joy and peace

the adults asked questions
and more and more
questions
but never once stooped to feel their softness
or smell their newness
or listen to their sweet murmurings

they missed the dancing on goat wings
the little ones sucking
they missed
the soft breeze come in
to refresh
and
renew

they missed the sighs
from children
and kids

I don't think they heard the laughter

It took a long time before anyone noticed
the quiet joy
of each child
mesmerized
rallying in their own little world
of peace and bliss
a kid
with a kid

and then they saw it
and were drawn in
and became part of the fun
and laughed with the children
and stooped to know
the precious babas

this old goat lady
watched with joy
quiet splendor
as the families
became playmates
and laughter was the bond
and love the strong chord
that joined them

this is how God works in the hearts of his children

all around are His signs and wonders

the bird song and new Spring life

and though we busy ourselves with our own
understandings and misunderstandings
at last
we do see the sunrise
or the sunset
or the child He has lent us for a season

and we will play in the beauty of this gift
He has sent us
our laughter
becomes praise
to Him

like this old goat lady
He looks on with joy
that they noticed
His love
gift

He is already planning their tomorrow

and He smiles

...............
my favourite things