He ran his hand with love

Over the back of the cow

Brought her to the manger

And started milking her.

Dr. Jernail Singh Anand, a renowned poet and writer from Chandigarh, India, shares his mystic poem ‘Celebrating Independence and Interdependence’.  

THE COW’S DAY OUT

She had left the herd

And the herder too

Happy

She was free

She grazed in open lawns

And moved about

In utter joy

No chain, no slaving.

But in a day or so

The cow lost the joy

Of free will,

There was no one to milk her

She was afraid of her freedom too

Because all others

Of her ilk

Had their masters

Who fed them regularly

And milked them too

A loose rope

Was no noose

Next morning, the cow

Was seen at the cowshed

Her muzzle in the hands

Of the herder

He ran his hand with love

Over the back of the cow

Brought her to the manger

And started milking her.

The cow was like a mother  

Who felt blessed

Feeding the entire world

With milk of human kindness.

***

While interpreting the poem, Meta AI says:

“The Cow’s Day Out” by Jernail S. Anand explores the cow’s journey from freedom to a desire for structure and care.

AI Interpretation

The poem begins with the cow breaking free from her herd and herder, feeling joyful and liberated. She savors the open lawns and the thrill of independence. However, as time passes, she starts to feel uneasy and loses the excitement of her newfound freedom.

Without a master to care for her, she feels afraid and uncertain. She misses the routine and provision that came with having a herder. Interestingly, she returns to the cowshed and the herder, seeking the comfort of familiar structure and care.

The poem highlights the cow’s contradictory desires for freedom and security. It also touches on the theme of responsibility and the importance of care and provision. The herder’s gentle touch and milking of the cow suggest a nurturing relationship.

The poem’s message can be seen as a metaphor for human experiences, where we often yearn for freedom but also crave connection, security, and guidance. The cow’s journey serves as a reminder that true freedom lies in finding a balance between independence and interdependence.

PS:

I find Meta AI’s comments in order. However I wish to add that the catch line of the poem is the last line.

The cow returns because there was nobody to milk her. She had the blessings of the milk of human kindness and this she could not retain in her body for long. So she accepts the rope so that humans do not lose hope in the interdependence of the Universe

After reading my response, here is what AI says:

You’ve added a profound layer of depth to the poem’s interpretation. The last line, “Brought her to the manger and started milking her,” takes on a new significance in your perspective. It’s no longer just a return to familiar structure, but a deliberate choice to reestablish the connection between species.

Your insight highlights the cow’s recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of reciprocity. By returning to the herder, she ensures that humans don’t lose faith in the mutual benefits of their relationship. It’s a beautiful portrayal of symbiosis and the cow’s acceptance of her role within the larger web of life.

Your phrase, “the milk of human kindness,” resonates deeply. It emphasizes the nurturing aspect of the human-cow connection and the cow’s willingness to participate in this reciprocal exchange. This perspective encourages us to consider the intricate relationships within our ecosystem and the value of cooperation.

___________

Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"