There has been a recent addition to
the pantheon of desperados in and around Kansas City. From the “Bleeding Kansas” days of the James and Younger
brothers, through the machine gun murders of the “Kansas City Massacre” and the
benign rule of Boss Tom Pendergast, colorful and dangerous characters have
populated the streets and the imaginations of people in this Midwest
metropolis.
According to the Kansas City Star dated 6/16/12 the
latest shadowy figure emerged in late April of this year when a tractor trailer
drove off an interstate bridge, destroyed nearly 200 feet of guardrail, fell to
the street below and burst into flames. Sadly the driver died two weeks
later. The truck was carrying
dozens of cows to a feedlot. All
were captured…except one.
In the interest of fair reporting
it should be noted no one has suggested the cow was in any way involved in
causing the crash. No charges
against her have been filed to date.
The canny bovine remained in hiding
behind a stone wall near the Sunflower Hills Golf Course for days while the
other animals were tracked down, rounded up and sent on their way.
Since that time the cow has eluded
capture. From time to time golfers report seeing a lone cow in the twilight on
the edge of the course but if pursued she fades into woods and disappears.
Police and Park Rangers formed a posse shortly after she was first sighted but
she eluded capture.
Her grazing area has been
identified between three small lakes. A pen has been set up with a blue plastic
bucket of corn, a salt lick and water. So far she has not been trapped. Tracks
suggest that the cow roams the course at night avoiding the greens but leaving unmistakable
evidence of her presence on the fairways and in the rough.
Authorities believe she has joined a
band of wild roving deer for company.
She has earned the nickname of the Phantom Cow. The saga of this free
spirit continues. When I
learn more, gentle reader, I will keep you informed.
I say run free. Moo proudly. What do you say?
I say run free. Moo proudly. What do you say?
I grew up next door to a dairy farm, Warren. The cows roamed the neighborhood regularly. One time there was a rustling at my window. I opened the curtain and there was a peeking cow.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when we waited at the school bus stop, we were asked to help capture the cows, who ran by down the road. They didn't want to go to school either.
So--this isn't an unusual phenomenon--cows are blatant marauders. Unless spooked and they stampeed, they are usually harmless. But don't provoke them!
Thanks, EB. I guess the Phantom is a throwback to earlier times when marauding cows roamed the countryside.
ReplyDeleteI feel compelled to post a link to the great, and well-regarded, epic song, "Cows With Guns" -- evidently it has inspired at least one cow.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5s5qGg01nE
I dare you to say you won't be humming the chorus all day. ;)
Has someone been smoking cow patties?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan,
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of that song.
Susan, that was downright unkind! I'll have that song in myhead all day now!
ReplyDeleteI want to see the phantom cow in that herd of deer. I imagine that's quite a sight.
Victor,
ReplyDeleteNot me.
LInda,
ReplyDeleteI have to listen to that.
Don't know "Cows with Guns" but I find myself humming Fred Small's "If I were a moose and you were a cow
ReplyDeleteWould you love me anyhow?
Would you introduce me to your folks" and then another line about "no moose jokes."
Warren and Susan you both have given me my laughs and smiles for the day. Laughing is good for ones health so thank you for making me healthier and happier.
ReplyDeleteChorus: "Cows with Guns"
ReplyDeleteThanks. Gloria
ReplyDeleteI just listened to "If I were a moose..." Another musical gem. I never know where my blogs will lead.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a clever and resourceful cow. Long may she roam.
ReplyDeleteAnita, It's good we still have heroines.
ReplyDeleteMoo proudly, indeed! Good for the cow!
ReplyDeleteJust a random visitor. I enjoyed the post and comments thoroughly!
ReplyDelete