Ensilage
By James McIntyre
The farmers now should all adorn
A few fields with sweet southern corn,
It is luscious, thick and tall,
The beauty of the fields in fall.
For it doth make best ensilage,
For those in dairying engage,
It makes the milk in streams to flow,
Where dairymen have a good silo.
The cow is a happy rover
O'er the fields of blooming clover,
Of it she is a fond lover,
And it makes milk pails run over.
Poem Analysis:
James McIntyre's poem "Ensilage" celebrates the agricultural practice of ensiling corn, highlighting its benefits for dairy farming and its role in fostering the health and productivity of cows. Through its straightforward language and bucolic imagery, the poem exudes a sense of appreciation for the natural world and the symbiotic relationship between farmers and their livestock. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
Appreciation for Agriculture and Nature
"Ensilage" opens with a call for farmers to adorn their fields with sweet southern corn, emphasizing the beauty and abundance of the natural world. McIntyre's description of the corn as "luscious, thick and tall" evokes a sense of vitality and abundance, highlighting the aesthetic appeal of the fields in fall. The poem celebrates the agricultural tradition of cultivating corn for ensilage, underscoring the importance of sustainable farming practices and the stewardship of the land.
Benefits for Dairy Farming
Central to McIntyre's poem is the recognition of corn ensilage as a valuable resource for dairy farming. The speaker extols the virtues of ensilage, noting its ability to enhance milk production and support the livelihoods of dairymen. The imagery of milk "flow[ing] in streams" and "milk pails run[ning] over" conveys a sense of abundance and prosperity, suggesting that ensilage contributes to the well-being and success of dairy operations. McIntyre's praise for ensilage reflects a deep appreciation for the practical benefits it offers to farmers and their communities.
Connection to Livestock
The poem also highlights the close relationship between farmers and their livestock, particularly cows. McIntyre portrays the cow as a "happy rover" that delights in grazing on fields of blooming clover, emphasizing the animal's contentment and satisfaction. The imagery of the cow as a "fond lover" of clover underscores the importance of providing nutritious forage for livestock and ensuring their welfare. By acknowledging the role of ensilage in sustaining the health and productivity of cows, McIntyre celebrates the interconnectedness of agriculture and animal husbandry.
"Ensilage" by James McIntyre is a pastoral and celebratory ode to the agricultural practice of ensiling corn. Through its evocative imagery and straightforward language, the poem conveys a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and the practical benefits of sustainable farming practices. McIntyre's portrayal of ensilage as a boon to dairy farming underscores the importance of innovation and adaptation in agricultural production. Ultimately, "Ensilage" serves as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans, livestock, and the land, highlighting the essential role of agriculture in sustaining communities and fostering prosperity.