»
Archives
»
The Corner Pub
»
Folk Poem
| The Corner Pub |
|
Folk Poem |
|
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
A touching tribute I read here last night, got me thinkin' about my Dad, too. This is a folk poem about my late father, Francis L. Stocks, and his friends, who travelled the "Shearing Circuit" across the Western United States, shortly before and after the Second World War. The genre is akin to "Cowboy Poetry", in that it has outward cultural meaning to the "unenlightened masses", but a deeper more personal meaning to those who have "been there, done that". [A "High Roller" was anyone who could shear over 100 head of full-fleeced sheep (woolies) in an 8 hour workday.] "High Rollers" With a new string o’ cutters an’ two boxes o’ combs, I’m packin’ my toolbox an’ a’leavin’ my home. ‘Cause the "Montana Circle" is a’blowin’ her horn, An’ I won’t be comin’ back ‘til those woolies are shorn. I’ve got a "Wyoming Special" that’s shiny with age, But she’ll comb an’ she’ll cut o’er a hundr’d a day. My motor an’ hanger they rattle an’ shake, But they’ll turn that ol’ Special on a seven tooth rake. So tally the herd boys an’ count out my strings, I’ll be there tomorrow to start the yearlings. Just give me a moment to say my goodbye, Then we’re off on the circuit where the topknots’ll fly! Some ask why I do it there’s easier work, But I weren’t cut out to be no desk clerk. Clippin’ wool is a fever that gets in your blood, When the grass is greened up an’ the snows turn to mud. Your life’s work Master Shearer is worthy of pride, "Comin’ up the long lick" an’ now "down the last side". So tip back your beer bottle when a hard day is done, An’ remember the old days an’ all of our fun, Go back to the good times of a happier day, Like the year we poured beer in that ol’ Model-A ! Here’s to my ol’ cronies, High Rollers each one! This drink’s on ol’ Franny, Long may we run! (c) William F. Stocks 1991 "The poet is the priest of the invisible." Wallace Stevens [This message has been edited by coyote (edited 03-25-2001).] |
||
| © Copyright 2001 coyote - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
That is a good read 'bout an honest profession. Melton |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks, Melton. That means a lot coming from you. I know you miss your Dad too. This time of year is kind of hard, sort of a double-edged sword, because he died in February, and March marks the beginning of "shearin' time!". Amen on the honest profession. With a few exceptions, (horse-shoeing comes to mind), I don't think there's anybody that truly knows the meaning of the words "work", or "value of a dollar", until they've "bent their backs 'til a hard day is done", with a stream of honest sweat dripping off the end of the nose. Eight hours can seem like an eternity! Honest work because it's up to you. The "harder ya work, the more ya make!". No backstabbin', gutshootin', Machiavellian corporate politics here. Not a result of the "brown-nose effect". Just plain ol' hard work! Granted it IS dirty work (absolutely filthy), and frankly, sheep stink!!! But Dad used to say, "Money has a lot of different smells, some good, some bad, an' sheep smells like money to me!" Honest money also, because aside from "Marine Corps Bootcamp", it's probably the only place your gonna get paid to get into "the greatest shape of your life". lol What I admire the most about him though, is the fact that he didn't just do it for himself. Of course it was what he did, and he was very skilled at it, but he gave his all, was a "High Roller" every day of shearing season, because he loved his family, and I think that says more about the man he was, than anything I could ever put into words. Thanks pardner, for your thoughts, and hold onto the memories. Keep the faith. (P.S. IM me sometime, coyotebilly on MSM) "The poet is the priest of the invisible." Wallace Stevens [This message has been edited by coyote (edited 03-25-2001).] |
||
|
kcsgrandma Senior Member
since 2000-09-24
Posts 1522Presque Isle, ME |
I liked this. It does indeed have a "feel" of cowboy poetry to it, and it is certainly a very appropriate way to honor your father. You wrote it well. Thanks for sharing. To love another person is to see the face of God. |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks Marilyn. You always know how to cheer me up! He was just an "ordinary person", like most of the rest of us in the human race. And like the rest of us, "extraordinarily" unique. lol "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
|
Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
This is great Coyote m'friend, a wonderful tribute to your Father. Very touchig Maree |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Awwh, Thanks, Maree! Ol' coyote needed a pat on the head! lol Glad you took the time to read. "Iyam what Iyam." "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
|
Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Most excellent! You can tell the feeling that went into this one... it's the same feeling I have when I write about my daughters. I'm sure your father would be proud to know he raised somebody capable of producing such a work. My hats off to you and yours. Side Note: My father just got his social security statement highlighting his monthly average salary for the past 35 years... we had a good laugh over the fact that he made $87.50 a month as a private in the Corps back in the early 60's. Now a days I think you can clear $800 a month just sitting around being on welfare. Go figure. Peace! |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Andrew, Thanks for the heartfelt commentary. I can tell you must love your daughters, very much. My oldest son is a Marine. (Honored his Dad, in the ultimate way). But he has to work 12-14 hours a day for the Corps, and then put in his time until Midnight or 1:00 A.M. at a video store to make extra money for his family? What's up with that? Semper Fi. "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
How did I miss this? I love your poem. My favorite subject. Joyce |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thank you, so much Joyce. Joe seems to have been the same kinda guy. Appreciate you stopping to read. "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
|
Suzanne Arlene Member
since 2000-10-09
Posts 377Ontario, Canada |
Well that sure was an enjoyable read. I live out in the country but born in the city.It gave me insight into a cowboy life i never new. thank you for sharing Suzanne |
||
|
pegasus111 Member Elite
since 2000-07-27
Posts 2219ocala, fl, usa |
I love reading styles I haven't seen before. lovely tribute to your dad. people like him are what really makes america go. the woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and many miles to go before I sleep...Frost |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks, Suzanne & Pegasus for stopping by. You never know the story, 'til somebody tells the story, an' the Pub's a fitting place for a workin' man's to be told. It means a lot, you took the time to listen. "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I do so enjoy cowboy poetry, which is not surprising...and applaud those who can rope in a fine tale with a flick of the wrist... |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks, Karilea. For taking the time to read. I am at a loss for words, again. lol  "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
This is great to read silently or out loud! It reminds me of some of the writings by Australian bush poets, like Henry Lawson and A.B. Paterson. Nice tribute to your dad. Betty Lou Hebert |
||
|
coyote Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 1077 |
Thanks, Betty Lou. I've never read those guys, I'll have to check them out! Thanks for the tip, and thanks again for reading. "The poet is the priest of the invisible." |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
