# Waiting: Lie, Little Cow, and Chew Thy Cud explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A brief poem urging patience and trust in divine timing, using the imagery of a cow chewing its cud and a linnet chirping on frozen ground to illustrate that waiting is a form of growth and that God's providence aligns with the soul's patience.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The poem directly addresses the soul's waiting and the challenge of patience in faith.

### Nature as Divine Revelation

The cow, linnet, frozen mud, and weather are used as metaphors for divine timing and growth.

## Character check-ins

### God

Addressed as the one who waits with the soul and brings weather and growth.

### Unknown

The speaker who counsels the soul to wait for God.

## Key lines

> Lie, little cow, and chew thy cud, The farmer soon will shift thy tether; Chirp, linnet, on the frozen mud, Sun and song will come together; Wait, soul, for God, and thou shalt bud, He waits thy waiting with his weather.

Rest contentedly, small cow, and continue your quiet work; the farmer will soon move you. Sing, little bird, even on the cold ground; warmth and melody will return. Be patient, soul, and trust in God; you will grow, for God matches your patience with His own timing.

_The poem uses pastoral imagery to encourage patient trust in divine providence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/waiting-lie-little-cow-and-chew-thy-cud
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters