Taking A Walk

by Dwayne Phillips

Most of this walk passes through rural areas. That is perhaps why I am enjoying it so much. As such, we walk by many grazing cows.

The cows are quite entertaining. They are accustomed to all manner of motor vehicles. Tractor trailers, tractors, pickups, motorcycles (really loud motorcycles – are there any other kind?) pass by and the cows don’t blink. They keep there heads down and munch on grass.

Then we walk by and all the cows lift their heads and watch. The turn to see us coming; they slowly turn their heads as we walk in front of them, and they turn to follow us into the distance. Maybe it is my bright yellow windbreaker that attracts their attention.

I believe it is that we are an unusual sight. Not many people walk up and down rural highways.

I find their behavior much like small children. Ever notice how a small child watches as you walk past? Their head is on a slowly and steadily turning swivel. Turn, turn, turn. Eyes fixed.

I talk to the cows as I walk by. Why not? There isn’t anyone else out there to talk to. Besides, I seem to have their undivided attention, and that doesn’t happen often with people.