Poem Analysis - The Cows On Killing Day

A Cow's-Eye View of Mortality

Les Murray's "The Cows On Killing Day" offers a chilling and unique perspective on death, narrated from the collective consciousness of cattle. The poem blends pastoral imagery with the brutal reality of slaughter, creating a disturbing yet compelling meditation on life, death, and the relationship between humans and animals. The tone initially presents a peaceful scene of contentment which progressively darkens into fear, confusion, and ultimately, horror. Murray uses the collective "me" to emphasize the shared experience and vulnerability of the cows, creating a powerful sense of empathy.

Echoes of Pastoral Life and Animal Suffering

While a detailed historical context may not be explicitly necessary, understanding Murray's connection to rural Australia is helpful. He often writes about the land and rural life, sometimes with a celebratory tone, but here, he uses that familiar setting to amplify the horror of the slaughter. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the disconnect between humanity's dependence on animals for sustenance and the often-brutal methods used to obtain it. The suffering of the animals is presented starkly, forcing the reader to confront the consequences of their dietary choices and the ethics of animal treatment.

Collective Identity and Impending Doom

One of the main themes of the poem is the loss of innocence and the dawning realization of mortality. Initially, the cows are preoccupied with basic needs: feeding, milking, and the urge for procreation. These simple routines create a sense of naive contentment. However, as the "heifer human" acts strangely and the "oldest bull human" appears, a sense of unease creeps in. The death of the first cow shatters the idyllic facade, and the remaining cattle are forced to confront the brutal reality of their fate. The collective "me" becomes a symbol of shared vulnerability and the impending doom that awaits them all.

The Grotesque Imagery of Slaughter

Vivid and disturbing imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the horror of the slaughter. The "shining leaf, like off the bitter gum tree" is a particularly potent symbol. It represents the glint of the blade, transformed into something deceptively natural and innocuous before inflicting terror. The description of the blood as "the terrible floods out, swamped and frothy" is visceral and shocking, forcing the reader to confront the violent reality of death. The image of the "slick me like a huge calf is coming out of me" is open to interpretation: is it a metaphor for the soul leaving the body, or a horrific description of the cow's insides spilling out? This ambiguity adds to the poem's unsettling power.

The Corrupted Innocence of the Human-Animal Bond

Another key theme is the perversion of the human-animal bond. The cows initially view the humans as providers, bringing them feed and milking them. However, this trust is betrayed by the violence of the slaughter. The "wolf-at-the-calves" bull human becomes a symbol of ultimate betrayal, shattering the cows' perception of their relationship with humans. The "carrion-stinking dog, who is calf of human and wolf," embodies this corrupted bond, scavenging the leftovers of the slaughter, blurring the lines between domesticity and savagery.

From Pastoral Dream to Nightmarish Awakening

Ultimately, "The Cows On Killing Day" is a powerful and disturbing poem that explores the themes of mortality, betrayal, and the often-unacknowledged suffering of animals. Through its unique narrative perspective and visceral imagery, the poem forces the reader to confront the ethical implications of their choices and the brutal realities behind their food. The initial pastoral setting is subverted by the horrifying events, creating a lasting impression of the fragility of life and the dark side of humanity's relationship with the natural world. The poem's significance lies in its ability to challenge our comfortable assumptions and to evoke empathy for creatures often seen as merely commodities.