Afternoon Delight: Sunday Behind The Barn
Sunday afternoon chores in the breeding pens at Magnolia Lane Farm (MLF)
The following piece, updated here, was published at “Old Ones Dream” April 30, 2013, and as a piece of the book “Magnolia Elegy: Place In the Edisto Fork” published April 14, 2022.
On a Sunday afternoon about 1950, we were in the backlot behind the stables. Thomas and his town friend Mac and I were witnessing the mating of a Berkshire boar and sow so that pedigree could be attested to and registration papers could be issued for any resulting piglets. The coupling of most farm animals is kind of wham-bam with no thank you ma’am, but that is not true with pigs who seem to enjoy it more. A lull in the conversation had been reached but that was never a problem with Mac who exclaimed; “you know Thomas, one thing that has got the right name is a hog . . . and another is a goose!”. I don’t recall any comment in response from Thomas. His eyes suddenly twinkled, but his lips remained closed and on the level.
As an Oldone I would not disagree with Mr. Mac and would add “ . . . and another is Atonement . . . and Redemption”.
Berkshire Sow and Pigs at the Farm circa 1950
Berkshire Boar on the job at the Farm circa 1950