Sacred Beasts

I dearly love you, India
And praise your fruitful boughs,
But yet I can’t help wondering;
What’s with all the cows?                                                
 
I love your smiling people,
Their friendly chat and prattle,
And yet, I find I’m wondering;
What the heck’s with all the cattle?
 
Such bustling streets, so vibrant,
Coloured stalls with riches full
But round every corner that I turn;
I find another bull!
 
Your cuisine’s simply sumptuous,
Of nut and grain and leaf.
Though here you’re never lacking,
I wonder, what’s with all the beef?
 
Your culture’s steeped in teachings
I can learn from and grow wise on
But still I am not knowing
The reason for the bison!
 
Your climate surely suits me,
I could keep coming back forever
Yet I can’t go walking in the sun
Without dodging every heifer!
 
Beyond urban streets, such beauty
I find countryside so fine
Perhaps there it’s less surprise
To see the forms bovine.
 
I’d expect amid the fields
To hear the farmer’s gentle word
To calm the lowing of the beasts
All gathered in the herd.
 
But still in cities roaming free
My confused lips arouse
The question; I love you India
BUT WHAT’S WITH ALL THE COWS!?