Moo: A Novel

The poem “Beat and Zep” introduces Reena’s first friends in Maine. Over the fence at Birchmere Farm, Reena watches a girl in orange overalls maneuvering a cow into a rope halter. A tall, red-haired boy puts a halter on another cow. They call out to one another as they work; the girl is called “Beat,” and the boy is called “Zep.” Reena rides away on her bike when they notice her watching them. As she passes Mrs. Falala’s house, she hears flute music and the soft mooing of a cow.

“Employment” is a prose piece describing Reena’s parents’ search for work in Maine. Reena’s mom gets a job teaching at a private school, and she is pleased that her job will not start until September, giving her more time to get the family settled. Reena’s father is still looking for work; he wants to do something completely different from his reporting job in New York, perhaps landscaping or another outdoor job. Luke asks whether they will be able to buy food if their father does not find work, and their father jokes that he and their mother can eat the children if necessary.