I gather that when Richard Hammond was a presenter for Radio Cumbria he hated reading out the Lamb Bank lists in Spring. I can't think why.
From January through to May,
the radio speaks twice a day
of ewes that have been left forlorn
and need new lambs for those stillborn;
of nibbling lips and squeaky Baas
from orphaned lambs that seek new Mas.
Some radio presenters hate
to read the lists of those who wait;
the changing ranks of lambs and ewes
less stirring than the daily news
or even, “Fisher, German Bight”
the shipping forecast every night.
A modest local service, not
a grand scheme for a public plot;
simple and humdrum local stuff,
no glory in it, just enough
to read the rote of farms and breeds,
matching the living with their needs.
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Written by Josie (2780 comments posted) 8th March 2008 |
| It's hard to know what to say Sue, except that perhaps the poor ewes who stand around heartbroken, knowing that their lambs are dead, may feel that their motherhood skills are not completely wasted when they have another, small and needy baby to care for. What a service Radio Cumbia provides! In the human world, many childless couples also have a lot to offer to orphans, but there are so many restrictions, that they often never get together to share their love together. |
Written by Phil (6683 comments posted) 8th March 2008 |
Odd you should mention the shipping forecast - that's what this nudged to the front of my brain. I guess if you hear it daily it might have the same comforting rhythms of Fisher, German Bight etc. I can't get too excited about bereft ewes (the townie in me) but this piece does carry a homely, comfortableness that speaks of routines and life cycles in other places. As such, worked well for me.
Phil |
Written by beatricelouise (215 comments posted) 8th March 2008 |
| I've not ever thought of such a concept before now. For some reason, I always thought sheep birthed more than one lamb at a time. My dog gave birth to nine puppies, and only one survived by the third day. It's so strange somehow how unless one lives on a farm, one knows so little about such things. I thought you did justice to this poem. At least, for me. You got me thinking again. LOL |
Written by fellpony (1603 comments posted) 8th March 2008 |
Josie - sheep can sometimes be cussed (what am I saying! Almost ALWAYS!) and may not take an orphan lamb despite the shepherd's best efforts: "THAT's not mine!" They don't often grieve for a dead lamb, though I have known one or two do so.
BL - heavy, lowland sheep can have up to 4 lambs, but they only have 2 teats - so triplets and quads have to be bottle fed or fostered. Hill sheep are only expected to have 1 lamb if they lamb on the hill, but can manage 2 if they are on good grazing. |
shipping forecast
Written by patterjack (1179 comments posted) 8th March 2008 |
Somewhere in the depths of my hard drive I have a fragment of a BBC recording -- a joking piece that makes fun of the reading of the shipping forecast .
It sounds like it is read by Geoffrey Palmer - and is a wonderful dry piece of Brit humour .
I like the elegant conversational tone of this piece of yours -- not immortal words I suppose , but appealing to my particular taste .
patterjack |
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