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Open Poetry #36
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I'll Ne'er Forget That Day Old Mate
| Open Poetry #36 |
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I'll Ne'er Forget That Day Old Mate |
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the grey Member
since 2006-01-06
Posts 119Queensland, Australia. |
I'LL NE'ER FORGET THAT DAY OLD MATE My heart was pumping hard that day I faced the maddening crowd, Despite the spinning in my head I stood there mighty proud. Though racked with pain my reddened hand acknowledged them a wave And to this day I've ne'er forgot the accolades they gave. It was a dream come true you see to stand there in that ring, For rodeo was in my blood and one day I'd be king. The beast I drew was mean and lean ... no Chainsaw I admit, But still if I could just ride time I'd show them I had grit. I'd limbered up behind the chute preparing for the ride, Well knowing what was just ahead, but took it in my stride. The chute boss called, "You've drawn chute five, get down and make it quick." Then as I eyed the beast below ... I suddenly felt sick. That brute it tried to climb the gate and bellowed cries of fear, While chute hands fought to organise the necessary gear. I felt the violent quiver of the hide between my chaps, The smell of sweat, the cry of men ... a change of mind perhaps? Too late I felt the rope pulled taut and shoved within my glove, I thought it's now or never mate and sent a prayer above. Then as I pulled my Colly down I yelled out, "Let him go!" The gate flew open ... it was on ... 'twas time to rodeo. With whites of eyes all full of hate that beast did twist and turn, 'Twas obvious my frame aboard was something he did spurn. Eight seconds on this beast from hell seemed like eternity, For ev'ry muscle which I owned screamed out in agony. Between the jars and twists and turns I heard the crowd all cheer, Then at long last that blessed sound of hooter in my ear. The pick up man then pulled me clear and was I proud ... not half! I'll ne'er forget that day old mate I rode that poddy calf. My very first ride at a rodeo was at Stanthorpe in south-west Queensland at around twelve years of age. In reality I never made it across the vehicle track in front of the chute and got hung up and dragged around for a few minutes until I pulled myself free. I figured I'd take poetic license and make the story a little more interesting. |
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| © Copyright 2006 the grey - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
For a twelve year old, that entire scenario that wasn't in the poem was story enough. But the question is raised... did you go on to rodeo after all? Or was the first, the last... knowing that you tried? Enjoyed this much, Sir. Thank you. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
well I have a hard time watching rodeos..I sort of cover my eyes...because I am always expecting the worst sort of like bull fighting or watching a murder movie. Nice story telling  M |
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the grey Member
since 2006-01-06
Posts 119Queensland, Australia. |
G'day Karilea. I seem to be having a problem viewing the post replies once I have posted them. The post to your poem finally showed up, so here's trying again. I never did go onto professional Rodeo riding, but had enough of my own spills and thrills breaking in and riding my own stock over the years. Thanks for sharing my verses. The Grey Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue. |
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the grey Member
since 2006-01-06
Posts 119Queensland, Australia. |
G'day M. Rodeo is not every body's cup of tea, but it has become a big industry and a way of life for many folks. Thanks for sharing this one too. The Grey Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue. |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
sometimes when I can't see a reply right away, the Grey, I click on reply then go down and click on topic review to see what was posted. I also do that if I want to reply all at once in one posting to more than one post..I sometimes copy and paste the replies in and then respond, deleting the replies as I continue. not sure if that is helpful or understandable M |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Your posts are showing fine, Sir. As for rodeo - I grew up with it being a yearly visit, going with my father, listening to his own rodeo stories, watching his eyes as he watched the men try to reach the 8. Dad always said he gave it up because it was for young men. I think he gave it up because he knew that any live beast should never be reined in, but allowed to know their own freedom. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Yet another excellent write from your talented pen Sir. I so much enjoy reading your work. ~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~ In the midst of winter, |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Well I love rodeos, having been to the Calgary Stampede here in Canada many a time. There is nothing like the excitement when they come out of that door. I am hoping you will indeed post more of your work to read, it is so enjoyable. Yeeee Haaaaah! |
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