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Open Poetry #26
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Mister Fred
| Open Poetry #26 |
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Mister Fred |
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Gunslinger Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901TX, USA 
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Mr. Fred He rode a Harmon saddle- And smoked a black cigar. And knew each cow by number, and by name. A product of East Texas, He never wandered far- And "cowman" was his only claim to fame. They said he was a heller- Back in his younger days... I saw his temper only once or twice. But even old and dying- He could have held his own, And whipping him would cost a hefty price. I worked for him for two hard years And carried all the load. And looking back, I see I judged him wrong. While I thought he was lazy- He was dying on his feet, I missed him badly after he was gone. I paid my last respects to him- And bore him to his grave. Six of us young cowboys gathered round. Uncomfortably we listened- As the preacher spoke, then prayed, And sadly saw him lowered in the ground. I knew a piece of history Had surely passed away- He paid the highest tribute that he knew, When he said, "I will be leaving- Someone must take my place; I told the Boss I thought it should be you". Most people have forgotten- This cowboy from the past. I guess that's how it is once you are dead. But I'll always remember- I knew him for awhile, It was privilege knowing...Mr. Fred. In memory of a foreman whom I once worked with: Fred Stanfield. |
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| © Copyright 2003 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved | |||
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
*sigh* A beautiful tribute to him. Always, Alyssa - And so it was that time stood still - |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
Where have you been?   You could hurt me with your bare hands. You could hurt me using the sharp edge of what you say. JEWEL |
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Kahlil Senior Member
since 2003-04-12
Posts 1881 |
Gunslinger, this is a great tribute. How he influenced your life! I like stories like this. My uncle was a cowboy, and sometimes I forget, but now you've reminded me to think about it for awhile again. Thanks. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
ah John, what a heartfelt tribute here...a tender write |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Nice words for Mr. Fred...James [This message has been edited by JamesMichael (06-04-2003 08:48 AM).] |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
A wonderful tribute to Mister Fred...well done John...as always.. believe in what your heart feels... |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Hey 'slinger!..I know Mr. Fred....isn't he Mr. Ed's (the talking horse)...brother?...He speaks Polish I believe?....nice write [This message has been edited by Toerag (06-04-2003 11:19 AM).] |
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