Dad & Boof

Boof’s heifer was passed helping

She’d struggled too long

Birthing her dead calf

And now was dying herself.

Dad fetched Granddad’s ancient 22

And some short round ammunition

They debated the kill spot

And decided on the forehead whorl

Crack

The bullet ricocheted off the dense bone

The cow lowed in pain

Crack

Moo

Crack

Moo

Ten bullets expended

Till Boof finished her with a sledgehammer.