The Cow in Apple Time
The Cow in Apple Time tells a story of a cow trotting along on a journey of desire and self-destruction. The cow, tempted by fallen apples, breaks through a stone wall and gorges herself on the fruit while destroying everything in her path. A humorous ode to a headstrong holstein, this poem explores themes of greed, indulgence, and the consequences of one's actions.
- Ensemble
- SATB Choir + piano
- Duration
- c. 4 minutes
- Year
- 2025
- Dedication
- for the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, Jacob Narverud Conductor
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Texts
The Cow in Apple Time
Something inspires the only cow of late
To make no more of a wall than an open gate,
And think no more of wall-builders than fools.
Her face is flecked with pomace and she drools
A cider syrup. Having tasted fruit,
She scorns a pasture withering to the root.
She runs from tree to tree where lie and sweeten
The windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten.
She leaves them bitten when she has to fly.
She bellows on a knoll against the sky.
Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry.
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