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Open Poetry #5
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Jim Bridger
| Open Poetry #5 |
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Jim Bridger |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas 
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John Coulter, and Kit Carson, and Jedidiah Smith Name’s loom large in history, proportionate with myth. But when it comes to Mountain men, there’s one outshines them all- To hear him spoken of, my friend, you’d think him ten feet tall. He went West as a youngster, apprenticed, ran away... And knew the country from the North, far South to Sante Fe- Compared to him the others seemed so civilized and tame- Old Gabe was what they called him, Jim Bridger was his name. He trapped the streams for beaver, and caught them, not a few- And played a second hand to none, when comes to taking plew.. The Indians knew and feared him, and from his path fought shy- His skill was monumental, to face him was to die... They say he spoke to Custer, And told him very plain, “The Sioux’ve riz up agin you, to face them is insane”. Custer brushed aside advice from this old mountain man- And fighting Gall, and Crazy Horse; he lost his whole command. I guess the arrow wasn’t fletched, nor bullet molded, friend- Which could fell Jim Bridger and bring about his end- But that great equalizer, the heavy hand of time.... Put a stagger in his step, a fog within his mind. His like we’ll never see again, they weren’t like me and you- I’d like to think they all have gone to that great “Rendevous”- He loved those Rocky Mountains, and gave to them his life... A trusty Hawken rifle, and a keen Green River knife. But as you drive the freeways, and climb the grades today- Remember well that men like Jim, and Jed once paved the way. Visit My Home Page http://www.geocities.com/montcogunslinger/HomePage.html |
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| © Copyright 2000 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Rus Bowden Member
since 2000-01-13
Posts 139 |
Hi Gunslinger, This is an American West treat indeed. Thank for sharing this bit of history. Well done meter and rhyme, superb. To be read out loud. Rus |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
I always know I'll enjoy the read..  HUGS Don't ask me where I'm going, just listen when I'm gone and far away you'll hear me singing softly to the dawn. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I agree! An excellent read!! Denise And slight is the sting of his trouble Whose winnings are less than his worth; For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.~~~Alice Cary, ~Nobility~ |
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bsquirrel
since 2000-01-03
Posts 7855 |
This deserves a twangy guitar in the background -- and I mean that with reverence. You are a natural storyteller, with talents that could be envied if they weren't so darn fun to be around. Thanks!Mike |
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Echo Rhayne Senior Member
since 1999-09-17
Posts 1495Canyon Country, CA |
Well you've done it again! BRAVO *clap clap clap* You said it very well, very well indeed! ~*~ ^i^ ~*~ Love is such a lonely art, and death is but a taste. Minds are merely instruments that often go to waste! ~*~ ^i^ ~*~ |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Gunslinger...I could've sworn I responded to this the other day, because I remember reading it aloud, but looks like I missed posting it. Anyhoo, it's a wonderfully crafted tale! Your work is always a treasure! Claire |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
This sounds like a Johnny Cash song. In fact if you read back over it, thinking in his voice, it is a Johnny Cash song. And only gunslinger could write it. Another great story Liz |
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Mike Member Elite
since 1999-06-19
Posts 2462 |
Splendid effort. Have attended the local rendevous on occasion. An often overlooked aspect of our history; a small group of men who played a vital role in establishing the west. Other than that, just a great poem. |
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Danny Holloway Member Elite
since 2000-01-15
Posts 2034Tulsa, OK |
Jim Bridger, what a life to lead. One unavailable to modern man. Where have the frontiers gone? Enjoyed the story and the way it was written. DH |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
"Let's drink to ole Jim Bridger. Yes, lift your glasses high As long as there's a USA Don't let his memory die. That he was making history Never once occured to him But I doubt if we'd have been here If it weren't for men like Jim." Well, Gunslinger... I'll have Johnny Horton singing in my mind all afternoon! *S* But I'll enjoy it... just as I enjoyed the poem! Great read! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
I think if you were to write a history book more children would be reading. Great job with this one Gunslinger, as always. |
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