Repatriating the Donkeys There wasn’t even the sound of their hooves, Unshod of course, On the gravel path down to the stables. The only warning was the dog yelping indoors To be let out – To welcome the visitors, or inspect them at least. Soon as I opened the front door he scarpered down But stopped some feet away. They were unconcerned, little donkeys, on a visit.   Bringing them back to their home was harder: They would not be caught, head shy. They followed a bucket of meal, softly, as if unsure Turning this way and that to explore green grass instead.   My youngest lead the way with the bucket, The donkeys, three of them, behind. All went well until we met the dogs down the road: The barking terriers that ran a race inside their fence For all passerbys and especially donkeys.   Donkeys would not pass by with such runners racing the fence And barking as if the Lord himself was coming. They always do that, although donkeys might be closer. And it was nearly Christmas, so they had a point.   I brought up with rear with four feet of wavin pipe Shaking it in […]