The first mission we encounter

is a bit silly, I must admit

The Enterprise finds a planet of cattle

who graze, sleep, chew cud, and spit

The herds protect the young in circles

they vote on pasture simply standing

the direction that they want to go

and head that way, no bull commanding

The science officers all take samples

of hair, blood, horn, grass, dirt, and shit

the cows are curious and low softly

Uhura smiles and records it

Their predators they do not see

but tracks and screaming in the night

when morning comes the herd moves southward

three carcasses found bloody bright

Spock takes the bones and builds a fire

in ancient Vulcan sacrifice

remembering a time forgotten

when bulls were gods, and gods had price.