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Open Poetry #46
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Gunslinger
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901
TX, USA

0 posted 2010-09-28 07:32 PM



How often I daydream of days, bittersweet-
A saddle beneath me and boots on my feet.
Rounding up cattle from “can to can’t see”-
The closest of partners, my pony and me.

Up before sunup, unsaddle at dark-
In a country well-noted for things that are sharp:
It bites, stings, or sticks you, the land that I love,
Well known for coyotes, and rattlers, and doves.

I speak of South Texas, with dry, rolling plains-
A country of cactus, where seldom it rains…
Where the Texas Hill Country and Brasada meets,
But my greatest regret is, I miss the mesquites.

It’s yellow-green foliage, the first sign of spring,
Grows darker in summer, and produces beans;
For fence posts and staves it can hardly be beat-
It needs little moisture, the hardy mesquite.

We wore denim jackets in summer’s cruel heat-
We wore leather leggin’s with “taps” for our feet,
The thorns tore our clothing, and hide if they could,
You say I should hate it, and maybe I should.

But I wouldn’t take money, for memories like those,
I cursed it at times, but that’s how it goes-
I’m sick of the flowers and shrubs on the streets,
Maybe I’m crazy, but I miss my mesquites.


© Copyright 2010 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
Tim
Senior Member
since 1999-06-08
Posts 1794

1 posted 2010-09-28 07:36 PM


Mesquite not so likeable when you're trying to get rid of it.
Enjoyed the poem though.

easy1
Senior Member
since 2010-05-22
Posts 1209
Southeastern USA
2 posted 2010-09-29 02:18 AM


Have read that of those cedars, too... This is a good read, Poet.
Cpat Hair
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

3 posted 2010-09-29 07:49 AM


enjoyed...and it takes me back to places I have been in south Texas, into the hill country...  I can easily see why you miss it


2dalimit
Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228
Mississippi coast
4 posted 2010-09-29 12:11 PM


I was born and raised in south Texas, but was transfered [through decisions, not of mine own]. Yes, I miss my mesquites, also.
Thanks for the memories,
Melton

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