Cows do not f*ck

It is necessary to address anthropomorphism and here is the best place to do so since I'm musing on bovines for my other writing. I was called a 'f*cking cow' by a dear friend in 2011, celebrating the publication of my first book about tea - 'Distinguished Leaves - poems for tea-lovers'. No one accused me of anthropomorphism when each tea turned into a character with human characteristics. Back to the cow. I had and have no qualms about being insulted - it was the result of arrogance on my part and over-protectiveness on hers. She was and remains a special member of my 'milk family'*. But it highlights exactly what anthropomorphism is NOT about. Cows do not fuck. They are fucked. By bulls. Describing my 'cow-ness' as 'fucking' is inaccurate. Having 'cow-ness' is something I would be honoured to acquire. But it's as inaccurate to add the adjective as calling a pig greedy. Pigs are not greedy, humans might be but they are simply eating what is necessary for their well being. Anyway, if…