(escapril, day 25: pick an animal)

Some animals are cute because they have to be.

They rely on the crumbs and cream someone might remember to leave out.

Their only defense is in the sadness of their eyes, the shine of their fur, the length of their tail.

Some rely on their size,

Intimidation tactics, protecting themselves from stray berry-pickers and rumpled children

Like Trojans after one too many gifthorses.

I like cows because they aren’t showy or silly.

I like them because they are sweet,

Despite one of the most unfortunate lots of all God’s creatures.

I like them because of the simple honesty in the way the calf nuzzles my hand,

Nose damp, breath puffing out in short, impatient spurts.

Hungry for mama’s milk, still formula forced.

She is big. Strong. Wide shouldered. Sturdy.

Fawn, chestnut, polka dotted.

Like the man who does good in secret, her sweetness is not appreciated

But by one who seeks out the true, however humble.

She is never praised for her goodness.

But still, she is good.