The Straggler

Once upon a time, on our farm in Red Dirt Country in central Oklahoma, there lived a curious cow named Clara. Clara was known among her herd for her adventurous spirit and inquisitive nature. One sunny morning, as the Ryan, our tenant farmer led the herd to a lush, alternate pasture, Clara’s attention was captivated by a fluttering butterfly.

Distracted by the whimsical dance of the butterfly, Clara straggled from the herd, taking a path less trodden. The path meandered through a sun-dappled grove where the air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and the soft hum of bees. Clara, entranced by the beauty of her surroundings, wandered further, oblivious to the distance she was putting between herself and her herd.

The Straggler © 2025 Eric Hatheway

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Clara realized she had wandered far from the familiar bellows of her fellow cows. A twinge of worry crept in, but her adventurous heart urged her to explore just a little more. She stumbled upon a serene pond, its surface a mirror reflecting the clear blue sky. Feeling thirsty, Clara stopped to take a refreshing drink, her reflection rippling in the water.

Meanwhile, the farmer, noticing Clara’s absence, retraced the path, calling out her name. Clara, hearing the distant calls, finally decided it was time to return. With a last, wistful glance at the shimmering pond, she turned around, retracing her steps back through the grove.

Upon her return, Clara was greeted with relieved mooing from her friends and a gentle pat on the head from the farmer. Though she had enjoyed her solitary adventure, Clara was glad to be back among her herd, content in the knowledge that she could always find beauty and adventure close to home.