Fields are standing empty, due to foot and mouth

A sight which is repeated, in both North and South.

Livestock has been slaughtered, to stop infection spreading,

After test results confirm, what farmers have been dreading.

Now in rural Britain, silence fills the air

As devastated farmers, forlornly stand and stare.

They can't believe how quiet, farms and fields are now

Without the flocks of sheep, or even just one cow.

For many generations, they have lived with strife

Because it's more than work, it's a way of life.

So surely they'll bounce back, and start afresh again

Milking dairy cows, or lambing in the rain.

And if we have the privilege to once again go hiking,

To picnic on the moors, or even mountain biking.

Then hopefully we'll do so, sensibly with pride.

Not treat it as a playground, but respect the countryside.

Submitted by P Leonard, Whitby

Updated: 10:18 Thursday, October 18, 2001