Twas the day before sugaring,
When all through the woods,
Not a maple was left standing without a spout or a hood.
The buckets were hung round the maples with care,
In hopes that springtime soon would be there.
All over town, sugar makers nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of evaporators whistled in their heads.
At Grand View Farm excitement rose to a clatter,
As the sugar maker’s wife -waited anxiously for lambs as though nothing else mattered!
He, the sugar maker, settled down nice and calm- waiting for temperatures just above freezing,
While the shepherd, however, found waiting more stressful, trying and teasing.
As much of her time she spent in her wellies,
Down on her knees looking at udders, back sides, and bellies.
With thoughts of who would come first, be it Izzy or Kendra or Maple or Daisy?
Everyone else in the farmhouse thought she must be plain crazy.
She gets up in the night with flashlight in hand,
Off to the barn-with her beam does she scan.
Looking at her ewes for signs of labor or someone in need.
Being watchful and caring-living out the shepherd’s creed.
This vigil continues with sugar maker and shepherd wife,
For all this has become their way of life.
While the sap runs, filling the buckets- cool and clear,
Sugar maker boils, bottles, and jeers!
The shepherd’s ewes will soon give birth and baby lambs will frolic, leap and cheer!
While sugar maker and shepherd will celebrate with a beer!
Our Own Vermont Maple Syrup
If you want the pleasure of pouring some of our 100% pure Vermont maple syrup on your pancakes and waffles, visit our online farm store to purchase a jug of your own!
Ute
Oh so exciting. Wish I was closer I would be right along with you- being crazy😀
CKG
Best. Poem. Ever. That shepherd has many talents, and has captured the essence of spring on an old hillside farm in Vermont. The “first fruits” of the farming year……lambs and pure maple syrup. Both are hard work, but very sweet!