Calf Club Day in Rural New Zealand

    

        Getting calf ready for calf club

 CALF CLUB DAY

Up early at the crack of dawn,

Trudging across paddock, in sun's piercing ray.

To catch my calf, of colour fawn,

For the moment, of the year, Calf Club Day.

 

Last minute, things to do.

 Halter and lead to whiten,

Washing down and brushing too,

 Her coat to gleam and brighten.

 

Off to school, with flowers under arm.

 To create, a posy, trim and neat.

Bringing to the day, beauty and charm.

 When community, gather to meet.

 

The calves have now arrived.

Coming. in many different contraptions.

 Along the fence, they are lined.

 Ready, for the day's, big competition.

 

The judges, in their white coats, stand,

As the calves are put through, their paces.

Grooming, type and leading by hand,

Hopeful looks, on their owner's faces.

 

And slowly, as the day, passes by,

The odd ribbon, here and there, is seen.

Owner of calf, with proud look, in eye,

For the colour of red, blue, yellow or green.

 

The end of the occasion, has now come,

 And the moment, we've been longing.

A Proud time, for the lucky some.

Champion of each section, for year ensuing.

 

Disappointment shows, on some of the faces,

 For they were sure, their calf, was the one.

 To have been, the best, at all paces,

To be top calf - Champion.

 

At home, I proudly dangle,

Upon, my bedroom wall.

A ribbon, of red and yellow,

For my best calf, so far, of all.

 

And now, as I look, at faded ribbon,

I think back, in my mind.

To long hours, of happy preparation,

Of those days, at Calf Club time.

 

Poem by Anne Stewart Ball 

Written July 1985

         Judging calves at Calf Club