The Lord’s Pasture
The American cowboy is an icon of the old west. An icon that becomes real and is kept alive in the minds of youth and age alike as dreams help each of us live again an era that largely began after the end of the Civil War or as it is known in the south, The War of Northern Aggression, and by the mid-1890s would find much of the land fenced and railroads reaching farther, bringing an end to the cattle drives that required large numbers of men and horses.
The lure of the old west probably lives in the minds of us old timers more than it ever will live in the minds of today’s youth. And though we experience occasional resurgence of that almost magical time, thru county fairs, rodeos, and sometimes a new movie about the west or cowboy life, life’s reality soon sets in. Yet, the day of the cowboy has an allure that captivates the soul of the world. The child-like hero worship is exhibited in young and old as we visualize ourselves astride a spirited horse pounding across waving grassland prairies, the wind blowing in our face as it tugs at our hat. And in the distance, a herd of wild horses with nostrils flaring tumble over the crest of a nearby hill into their safe haven valley below, or the smell of wood smoke that signals an Indian camp hidden in the maze of canyons beyond the horizon, or finding yourself slapping the dust from your hat and vest that accumulated there as you trailed a herd up the Chisholm Trail. These and many more scenarios play out in our fantasies, allowing us to justify our love for an American Icon. From the early to mid-1850s through the early 1900s, the era of the cowboy was rampant but short-lived, however, the impact would prove to be far reaching and long lasting.
In the words of the former President Bush, “We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy’s love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans.”
My poem was inspired by a photo from our Colorado ranching friends Valerie and Floyd Beard titled “On To Greener Pastures.” And is meant to preserve our western heritage and to acknowledge the early pioneers that were farsighted enough to see beyond the horizon as they stretched and sacrificed to help America to grow to its’s potential as we celebrate the contribution of the Cowboy and Cowgirl to America’s culture and heritage.
THE LORD’S PASTURE
We kicked them blankets an’ hit the floor to greet another day, ‘Course, them aches an’ pains we ignored, Headin’ fer where Cookie’s fire roared, For that, we quietly thanked the Lord, His Grace would give us strength an’ courage, to get us on our way.
The wrangler brought the horses in, Pap was there to throw his loop, We’d call the name of ours to ride, Pap’s aim an’ skill was undenied, A lessor job, he’d not abide,
Most all times, yore ride would start with bolt an’ jolt, with shout an’ whoop! Daybreak brought a crispy morn, we coffeed, then mapped out our plan, That ol’ windmill shore needs repair, Mama cows moved to better fare, Along with salt to get up there, Just a few of the things to do when yore ridin’ fer the Man.
There’d been a scatterin’ of rain, ‘nuff to settle that ol’ dust, Them ol’ mama cows was trailin’, Put a bit of dust a sailin’, ‘Cuz that ol’ wind was a wailin’, So we pulled our hats down tight, an’ faced right into that windy gust.
As we slow but sure make that gradual climb to summer feed, We often lean in to discuss, How mama cows depend on us, To give them care without much fuss
As we watch ‘em close an’ keep ‘em safe... to meet their ever need.
Like how we each hold close to our Lord wherever we may roam, Just like them cows, we have a need, But from our sins we have been freed,
He gave His life to intercede, So we each arrive at the Lord’s pasture, our Heavenly home!
© 01’ Jim Cathey Thank You! Celebrate the western way of life by saying “Thank you!” to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in a church of your choice this Sunday.
You are always welcome to join us at First Baptist Church in Marlin, Texas God bless each of you and God Bless America!