The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Spring (as in the season) (11/28/05)
Animals’ Welfare

For cooking and warmth in our farm kitchen
Mom and Daddy used an enameled wood-stove.
But one cold and snowy spring morning
Another use for it, our wise Daddy chose.

We found a calf on a blanket in the oven,
Five piglets squealing ‘round it on the floor,
Some kittens were mewing in a box beside it,
Then we looked and saw Daddy bringing in more.

Stomping snow from his wet over-boots,
He gently set a plastic feed-bucket down.
It was filled with tiny yellow chicks peeping,
While their momma clucked soothing chicken sounds.

The unexpectedly strong spring snowstorm
Threw all of Nature’s Moms for a loop,
They birthed their babies in the snowy outdoors
Or hatched them in a cold chicken coop.

Oh my, oh my, had Spring really arrived?
The Mother in Nature sure thought so,
Our kitchen was full of animal babies
Because the outside for them was still too cold.

We kids delighted in the noisy, squeaky sounds
Coming from our warm kitchen, then very alive,
And we gleefully took turns feeding the babies,
Making sure they could grow and would thrive.

While Daddy daily checked all the animals
God entrusted to his fine farmer’s care,
He was a living example; he was doing God’s work,
By happily ensuring the animals’ welfare.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1210 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Karen Heslink
12/07/05
This is delightful. I wondered if it was based on an actual event. Rhymed poetry is always tricky. You meter gets a little sticky in spots, but overall a fine job.
Jan Ackerson
12/08/05
A very tender event; I think it would make a better short story than poem. A sweet memory--thanks for sharing it.
Julianne Jones
12/08/05
I loved the tale you told but felt that you tried to marry a light funny tale to a heavy solemn rhythm. Can I encourage you to try re-writing it as a short story because I feel that it has the potential to be a really delightful piece. God Bless.
Phyllis Inniss 
12/08/05
A tender touch and caring for the animals. God's work is always delightful, for both kids and adults. Thanks for sharing this poem.
Marilyn Schnepp 
12/09/05
The story is great - but it gets lost in the attempt to make it rhyme. I think it would make a great short story, also. I am an avid animal lover, so loved the human kindness this story told. Thank you for sharing!
LINDA GERMAIN 
12/12/05
Delightful image. Yes, a short story...mostly because there is more we want to know. The possibilites for interesting interaction are endless. Think how Noah felt. :0)