The dead cow that washed up on Kingston’s North Beach April 25 caused Port of Kingston officials some carcass-disposal challenges. It also inspired paddleboarders and poets.

Several paddleboards were rented from Kingston Adventures by paddlers interested in getting an up-close look at the carcass, tethered to a buoy to prevent it from being pushed back onto the beach by the tide.

And Thomas E. Frey wrote this poem, “Ode to a Bovine.”

Ode to a Bovine

Oh, glorious day when you were a brand new calf,
Shiny coat and wobbling legs that made Mom proud and laugh,
An immensely bright future to behold to help feed,
Milk for children and those in need.

Alas, something mysterious happened one sad day,
Ending in your final resting place in the bay,
Washing ashore and back out to sea,
Not the way anyone should have to be.

Sadly, despite efforts that none would do,
No help from Federal, State or County to claim you,
Now you ignominiously are tethered to a buoy for all to see,
Far from the days of barnyard glee.

— Thomas E. Frey, ironcanyon1@yahoo.com