Special milk maids bring their delicious concoctions to those who need them on New Year's Day. One of their customers wants to help this year.
“Now you get some sleep tonight, young lady,” said Julie’s dad.
“How can I get any sleep?” Julie moaned. “It’s just going to be another long, hard Winter. I know it!”
“Now take it easy there,” said her father. “I know Winter is hard for you. But you have to remember that you at least have a roof over your head. There are lots of people out there who are living on the streets with nowhere to go. But some of them are still clinging to hope for a better future for themselves, which is what you should be doing too. Besides, tomorrow’s the New Year. Time for a fresh start.”
“All right,” Julie said. “Goodnight Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, honey.” Her dad kissed Julie on the head and then left her to her dreams.
Julie always hated Winter because she had a rare condition that made her venerable to colder temperatures. If she didn’t take the right medications every morning and night, she could get serious chills if she went outside. It was for that reason that her family had moved to Toronto from the prairies, hoping that being on the shores of Lake Ontario would be easier for their daughter.
But the city was nothing like the quiet open countryside of Saskatchewan. There were loud noises everywhere, and the traffic was always horrendous. Even riding the subway was often unpleasant because it was always packed. And on top of that Julie always wondered why they couldn’t have moved farther south to warmer climates. When she’d asked her father that, he’d said that it was because he had found a good job here which paid very well. Plus, they didn’t have to go through customs or anything like that.
But Julie wasn’t entirely convinced that that was the only reason that they couldn’t have moved somewhere farther south. Then again, she also wasn’t sure that hot climates wouldn’t affect her just as much as cold ones did. Her karate lessons were the only thing that kept her body in good enough shape. She sighed heavily. There was nothing she could do but keep taking her medications and hope that they would keep helping her. Though what she really wanted was for them to work so she didn’t have to take them anymore.
With all these thoughts rolling around in her head Julie began to feel exhausted. She pulled her covers up to her chin and fell asleep.
When she woke up it was New Year’s Day. Well, she thought, I might as well enjoy this special day as best as I can.
Mmmooooooo!
Julie opened her eyes. Was that a cow?
I couldn’t have been, she thought. There are no cows in Toronto. I must be –
Mmmooooooo!
There it was again! “Okay what’s going on?” Julie muttered. She climbed out of bed and opened her bedroom curtains. Her mouth dropped open. There, right in the middle of the street below her were eight of the most colourful cows Julie had ever seen. They were all sitting very still while passers by stared at them.
There was a yellow one with green and purple poka-dots all over it; a red one with green-and-white stripes; a sea-blue one that had horns shaped like shells; one that was coloured like the Canadian flag; a purple one with snowflake patterns; a golden-brown one that reminded Julie of Simba; a silver-and-maroon one that was mooing loudest; and a black one with white specks all over it. Julie found she liked that one best, because it reminded her of the night sky.
“What am I thinking?” Julie said out loud. “I have to meet these strange creatures.” She pulled on her housecoat and slippers and crept downstairs and out the door.
The strange cows were standing perfectly still in the middle of the road. For some reason, no cars were coming down towards them. It was all so incredibly weird. That was when she noticed that there were people in old-style milk-maid clothes sitting on stools milking the cows. Somehow, Julie had a feeling that it wasn’t ordinary milk coming from these animals. And just as the thought entered her head, she smelled something in the air. Something that did not usually come from a cow. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she was somehow drawn to it.
But as she started to walk toward the cows, she realised that she was shivering. “Oh no!” In her surprise and curiosity, she had forgotten to take her medication. She turned and stumbled back toward her house, but she could already feel the chills setting in. Would she freeze out here?
Then she heard footsteps. And then one of the maids milking the cows was standing next to her.
“This will help you,” she said, holding out a glass of milk.
Julie hesitated. She knew better than to accept things from strangers and because that milk was an unusual colour, she had a feeling that it had come from the strange cows that had appeared on the street this morning.
But when she looked into the maid’s eyes, she could tell that her concern for her was genuine. She took the glass and raised it to her lips. And the minute the strange liquid touched the inside of her throat, Julie felt warmth spreading through her. Her shivering stopped. And she felt very relaxed.
“Thanks,” she said to the maid. “Who are you? And what are those?”
“Come over here and I’ll show you,” said the maid. This time, Julie didn’t hesitate. This strange person had just saved her from a bad bout of chills, so she knew she could trust her.
“These are the Cows of Auld Lang Syne,” the maid said.
“I thought that was a song,” said Julie.
“Well, that’s one part of it,” the maid said. “My name’s Holly, by the way. What’s yours?”
“I’m Julie.”
“Oh yes, the one who can’t stand the cold,” said Holly. “I had a feeling you were one of the ones that needed our help.”
“How did you know about that?” demanded Julie.”
“These cows always know who needs their special milk the most,” said Holly. “You see, the milk they give helps to strengthen people’s spirits. Some of them help fight medical conditions, while others give them the spiritual strength to overcome challenges in their life. But mostly, their milk is for those who can’t afford very much food. And as long as they have hope in their hearts, the milk we give them will never run out. None of us know where they’ll lead us each year, but they always know who needs them most.”
“What do you mean?” asked Julie. “Can they talk?”
“No,” said Holly. “They just know where they’ll be needed.” Then she looked at Julie. “You know, us maids always need as much help as we can get bringing the milk to those who need it, and you look like you could use a little adventure. Do you want to help us this year?”
Julie hesitated. She had never seen these strange yet beautiful cows before. And now this total stranger was inviting her to come with her and deliver their special milk to people Julie had likely never met. What kind of request was that?
But then, as she looked closer at the yellow cow with green and purple poka-dots, she realised that it was looking back at her. And as she locked eyes with it, she could tell that this was not an ordinary animal. It was a smart, deeply caring creature whose main purpose was to help those in need. And perhaps, since these cows knew where they needed to be, they also knew who could help them the best. They had after all, just given her something that could help her fight her condition way better than any medications could.
“Well, if my parents don’t mind,” she said quietly.
“I’m sure they won’t. As long as you’re home in time for lunch,” said Holly.
Julie hurried back inside her home and told her mom and dad what was going on. At first, both of them were quite reluctant to let their daughter go out on a cold New Year’s morning with very unusual looking animals, but when Julie told them that a glass of milk from one of the cows had completely nullified the chills she’d been having, they both began to feel that something worthwhile was about to happen.
“All right, you can go,” said her dad. “But don’t be out to long, okay?”
“I won’t be,” said Julie. Then she quickly got dressed and ran back outside to the Cows of Auld Lang Syne.
Holly smiled when she saw Julie heading towards her. “So they did say yes,” she said.
“Yes, they did,” said Julie. “So, what do we do? How does this work?”
“Okay, one question at a time,” said Holly. “First you need to pick the cow that you want to help. We don’t need you for all of them.”
“Oh, okay,” said Julie. She knew at once which of these cows she wanted to work with. “That one,” she said, pointing to the black cow with white specks that had reminded her of the night sky.
“A good choice,” said Holly. “Come over and meet Stille Nacht.”
“Really? That’s her name?” Julie asked, recognising the original German title of the carol Silent Night.
“Yes, it is,” said Holly. She walked over to the black cow and placed her hand on the back of its head. Stille Nacht mooed softly, then began to walk slowly toward Julie. “It’s just as simple as that,” said Holly. “Place your hand here and they’ll go wherever you go.”
Carefully, Julie put out her hand and touched Stille Nacht’s nose. She hadn’t even seen a cow since moving to Toronto, and now she was touching a very special one. As she stood there, she felt her spirits lift with excitement. She was really looking forward to whatever she, Holly and Stille Nacht were going to do this morning.
The streets of Toronto were always packed with cars and other vehicles, but on this New Year’s Morning it was rather quiet. Julie and Holly led their special cow up and down the streets whilst Stille Nacht dragged large containers of her milk on a sled behind her. Julie was worried at first that the load her new bovine friend was carrying would be too much. But Holly reassured her that the black cow could do it.
Every now and then, when they passed a certain house, Stille Nacht would moo softly and stop. “That’s how she tells us that there’s someone in there who needs her milk,” said Holly.
When Stille Nacht did stop, Julie and Holly would pick up one of the pails from the sled and carry it up to the front porch. Once they had it there, Holly would knock on the door and then they’d be on their way again. But every time they did stop, Julie would look back and see the at first confused but then delighted expressions on the people’s faces when they realised what was in these containers.
This is what Christmas and New Year’s are all about, isn’t it? Julie thought. Giving to people who need it.
But about an hour into the journey around the neighbourhood, Julie looked back and thought she saw someone duck behind a fence. Someone who she thought had been watching them.
“Holly, I think there’s someone following us,” she whispered.
Holly stopped dead and turned around. Stille Nacht’s ears twitched. Julie was hoping that whoever she’d seen wasn’t anything to worry about, but it looked as though it was.
“Julie, keep your eyes open,” Holly said softly.
“Why?” Julie asked.
“It’s probably some jerk who wants to steal the milk,” said Holly. “Every year we run into a few of them.
“Why would anyone want to steal your milk?” Julie asked. “Didn’t you say it was for hungry people who needed it?”
“Yes, it is,” said Holly. “But that doesn’t stop greedy people from wanting to take something that isn’t theirs. And because most people like that do not care about anyone but themselves, the milk they steal will run out.”
“Because greed ruins everything, doesn’t it?” said Julie.
“Yes, it does,” said Holly. “But that doesn’t stop people from taking it year after year. And they’ll just keep coming unless – “
“Unless what?” Julie pressed.
“Well, unless we can convince them that what they’re taking isn’t for them,” answered Holly. “And we’ll never convince everyone of that.”
“What do you mean?” Julie asked. Do they know that these cow’s milk doesn’t run out?”
Holly nodded.
“But can’t we just talk to some of those people who are after us?” Julie asked.
“Oh, believe me honey, I wish it were that simple,” said Holly. “But most greedy people never listen to anyone but themselves.” She glanced back over her shoulder, and then straightened up.
Julie turned around. While they’d been talking, someone had indeed snuck up behind them. He was feet from the milk sled Stille Nacht was pulling when they spotted him. Holly quickly pulled a whip out from under her coat and started cracking it. “Get out of here! Scram!” she said loudly.
The stranger turned and ran off.
“Beat it, ya hoser!” shouted Julie.
Holly looked down at her. “Just being a patriotic Canadian,” Julie said.
Then Holly quickly put the whip away. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” she said. “It’s just that sometimes we have to get a little aggressive with people like that.”
“I understand,” said Julie. “You’re just protecting what rightfully belongs to you. As long as you weren’t going to actually hit him with that thing, right?”
“Of course not,” said Holly. “Violence solves nothing. And, technically, what I’m protecting belongs to the people we’re delivering it to. But you get the picture.”
“Why do they even want to steal the milk?” asked Julie. “Do they think it will strengthen them?”
“I don’t know,” said Holly. “Maybe you’re right. Or maybe they just want to taste what we carry. Flavour can be as addictive as anything.”
“It can, can’t it,” said Julie. She thought about when she’d drunk her glass of milk from one of the cows. She would never forget the warm feeling that spread through her when the milk touched her lips. But it hadn’t exactly tasted especially sweet or anything, had it?
Well, it didn’t matter if she thought it tasted good. What did matter was that if someone though the milk from the Cows of Auld Lang Syne, which was meant for poor people, tasted so good they were prepared to steal it, she didn’t want to let that happen.
Julie, Holly and Stille Nacht walked on through the streets. Julie was beginning to see why this sweet maid had asked if she’d like to come along on her deliveries. They were using old-fashioned milk cans like farmers used to have and they were rather heavy. For the two humans that is. But Stille Nacht walked along roped to the sled without even straining. And Julie began to wonder if the black-and-speckled cow was stronger than normal cows.
“No,” said Holly, when Julie asked her this. “It’s that her milk is lighter for her to carry than milk from any other cow would be.”
“Even lighter than what her sisters make?” asked Julie.
“You mean the other cows?” Holly asked.
“Er, yes. Are they not related?”
“Not all of them,” said Holly. “But yes, milk from the other cows would be harder for this one to carry.”
“Because it’s unique to her?” Julie asked.
“Yes,” said Holly. “All the cows’ milk is for the same purpose, but they each carry their own milk in – HEY!”
At the same moment Holly shouted, there was a long clunk from behind them. Julie turned around in time to see a stranger dragging one of Stille Nacht’s milk cans away. Holly instinctively reached for her whip, but she knew that it was too late. It would take more than a whip to stop whoever this was now. He was dragging that can away pretty easily somehow.
“What’ll we do?” Julie asked as Stille Nacht mooed with dismay.
“We have to get that can back,” said Holly. “Someone out there needs that milk. And we don’t have time to fill a whole other can now. No cow likes to be rushed when being milked.” She patted Stille Nacht’s head soothingly. “But if they see me coming, they might recognise my outfit, and they’ll know that I’ll be trying to get the milk back.”
“I’ll go get it,” said Julie. “He won’t know that I’m working with you this morning. Besides, I know Karate.”
Holly looked reluctant, but after a moment she nodded. “Be careful Julie,” she said. “You have no idea what people like that are capable of.”
Julie nodded, then hurried after the milk thief.
The stranger had disappeared down a dark alleyway while Julie and Holly had discussed what to do. Cautiously, Julie crept into it and looked around. There was no sign of whoever had taken the milk can, but Julie knew that looks could be deceiving.
As she walked down the alley, she couldn’t help but think Those cans are rather heavy. How did that guy manage to snatch that one and drag it off so easily?
Maybe he works out a lot, said a voice in her head. But then she had another thought. What if he’s someone who needs that milk but doesn’t know it? Well, I guess it doesn’t matter if he’s one of the cow’s customers or not. He shouldn’t have just grabbed it like that.
Just then, Julie looked ahead and spotted something. There in front of her was the milk can that had been stolen. At least, she thought that was it. But if it was, why it was standing out in the open like this?
Julie felt a chill run down her spine. “Have I walked into a trap?” she whispered out loud. That was when she noticed that there were several other milk cans stacked behind the one she had found.
“Okay, this is interesting,” she mumbled. “Which one is the one I want and why are all these cans here?”
Thump! Something fell over. Julie whirled around holding her hands up. She was afraid but confident. She was, after all, a very skilled Karate artist.
A bucket lay on it’s side next to a stack of crates off to her left, but there was no sign of anyone else. Cautiously, Julie walked over to where the bucket had fallen from, hoping no one was watching her. But as she peeked behind the crates, she heard a scraping sound behind her.
She turned and saw someone dragging the milk can she had just found away. It was a distraction! she realised. Then she felt warm breath on the back of her neck. She instinctively ducked as something whipped across the space where her head had been moments before. She then kicked out with her left leg and felt it hit something. A loud groan of pain confirmed that she had found her mark.
The person dragging the milk can away stopped and stared at her. Then he ran back towards her. Julie quickly rolled forward and kicked out again, dodging the milk thief. He stumbled forward and fell flat on his face.
Julie straitened up and faced the two strangers. She recognised the man who Holly had chased off with her whip earlier. Staggering to his feet beside him was a teenage boy who looked as though he was his son. Both of them were glaring at Julie and rubbing their thighs as if they had not expected her to hit them like that.
“Look,” said Julie, “I don’t want any trouble. I just want to take this milk can and go, okay?”
The two men just kept glaring at her.
“You stole this,” said Julie, putting her hand on what she believed to be the can she was looking for. “It isn’t nice to take things that don’t belong to you.”
“It should belong to us,” said the father. “We were supposed to pay good money for that years ago.”
“What are you talking about?” said Julie. “Holly said they give this milk to those who need it. There’s no price tag on it, is there?” As she said it, she had to admit that she hadn’t asked Holly about whether or not the milk from the Cows of Auld Lang Syne was for sale to certain people, but she was pretty sure that it was all free.
“They asked if they could use our farm but then they wouldn’t pay us anything!” snapped the son. “They spent all morning using our property and didn’t give us a dime!”
“Oh, that’s what this is all about,” said Julie. “You assumed that these maids would pay you for the use of your property.”
“Of course it is!” shouted the father, who’s face was starting to turn red. “If they think they can get away with ripping us off like that, they’ve got another think coming!”
Julie looked at the two of them for a moment. Then she sighed and said “Haven’t you ever heard of doing something out of the goodness of your heart? The maids don’t make that milk to make money; they do it because they’re good people and they can help the poor better than most people can. They don’t need to raise money. Did they say they would pay you?” she asked.
“No, but they should have!” the father said loudly. “You can’t expect to just appear out of nowhere like that and not pay their hosts.” As he spoke, his voice grew louder and louder and Julie took a cautious step back. She wasn’t sure she wanted to face this guy’s temper.
Stepping back was not a good idea, however, because the son ran forward toward her and the milk can. Julie had a split second to react. Quickly, she leapt onto the milk can so she was eye level with the son. She then kicked out again and hit him squarely in the chest, knocking him backwards.
Then the father ran at her wielding a hollow pipe. Julie definitely wasn’t prepared for that. She stumbled and raised her hands over her head, but before the father could get to her, he suddenly toppled forward. He had tripped over his son who was still laying on the ground.
The two men lay in a tangled heap on the ground at Julie’s feet. She smiled down at them and said “I guess I’ll be taking this now.”
With that, she grabbed the milk can by it’s handle and began dragging it away. As she did so, she heard the father growl “Take that if you want, but we will be back next year for our revenge.”
The angry father-son pair stumbled to their feet and walked off away from Julie. Then they disappeared down the other end of the alley. Julie dragged the can back up the alley feeling triumphant. But at the same time, since she knew that the pipe the father had threatened her with must’ve been what had missed her head a minute ago, she couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of what would’ve happened if she hadn’t ducked.
“Julie!” cried Holly, when she saw her new friend emerge from the alley, clutching the milk can. “You did it! Are you okay?”
“Never been better,” said Julie as she and Holly put the recovered can back on the sled. Stille Nacht leaned over and gave Julie an affectionate lick.
“What happened?” Holly asked. “Who was that?”
“It was a dad and a son who think you own them money for using their farm,” said Julie.
“Oh yeah, I thought they looked familiar,” said Holly.
“Who are they?” Julie asked.
“They’re Wesley and Rick Scots,” said Holly. “They were actually supposed to be customers of ours a few years ago.”
“They were?” said Julie. “What did they need your milk for?”
“For strengthening their spirits of course,” said Holly. “But they didn’t want it. All they wanted was payment for showing up which we didn’t give. And the rest is history. I knew that they’d show their faces again one day. But I don’t know how they knew we’d be here in Toronto this year. Oh well, they’re out of our hair for now. Let’s get this milk delivered.”
Julie nodded. Given what she’d just seen of the Scots, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know anything more about them.
Julie, Holly and Stille Nacht spent the rest of the morning walking around with their final few deliveries going off without a hitch. When there was only one can of milk left, they found themselves back where they had started in front of Julie’s house. But the other cows were nowhere to be seen.
“Who’s that last can for?” Julie asked.
Holly smiled down at her. And then Julie knew that it was for her. And also, that their journey together was over. She immediately reached up and hugged Holly, unable to find the words to describe what this day had meant to her. But she could tell that Holly understood.
Julie carried the milk can up to her front porch, then took one last look back at the cow and her maid who smiled and waved at her. Then she walked back inside with her new medicine. She’d tell her parents all that had happened this morning later. Right now, she was looking for a warm lunch.
For the past two years (2006-2008) The Bridge of Silver Wings has earned a name for itself both as a series of poems published in different e-zines and as a book first published in 2007.
What makes this 2009 edition a special one is th
What began as Songs of the Angelic Gaze in the summer of 2006 continued the following year as The Bridge of Silver Wings, and developed even further two years after that into The Bridge of Silver Wings 2009. Whether readers describe it as a conversa
