Mammy an’ the Black Baldy

I am afraid it is just human nature to take for granted all that a mother tends to do for her brood. We enjoy and …yes…expect our “Moms” to do the menial everyday tasks that keep a family operating.

Yet, we also expect them to drop everything and give us their full attention the very minute that we have a particular need arise! They are comforter, counselor, healer, provider, and our rock! And it doesn’t matter that they are worn an’ frazzled from a full day’s work, or that they may be sick or feeling bad, or maybe pulled in several directions because of other needs.

Nope! You need what you need and you need it now! That’s just the way of human nature.

So, let us try this, give this special lady a hug and a smile or even a little peck on the cheek, then tell her thanks and ask her if you could carry part of her load. You will not believe the warmth of her smile or the bright twinkle in her eye that occurs when you do that tiny little bit! A box of candy or some flowers will get you more mileage than you will ever need!

Mothers are extremely important… Mary brought us Jesus, our Savior. And others throughout history have brought children into this world that has helped write that history. They are the very backbone of our universe.

A void, caused by their absence or incapacity, leaves each of us cold and scared and helpless because we expect them to do it all! Volumes have been written about them. History has depended on them. Our own nation has become great because of them. Democracy has thrived because of them. Families have survived because of them. And you and I are here because of them.

They strive to teach us about Jesus, how to live the “Golden Rule”, how to pray and read the Bible, and how to become honest and productive adults. Yes, even the West was won because of them! They are the reason that cowboys have a “no quit” attitude.

That’s right, they are the original “no Quit” and they do not allow “can’t” to be a part of their vocabulary. My Ol’ Mammy always said, “Can’t never cooked a biscuit!” This poem is based on a true story from my youth.

Mammy is my own Mom, Lena Maurine Cathey, who managed to keep Pappy in line, raise five young’uns while teaching us that Jesus loved us and we should pray daily for His guidance and allow Him to be in control of our lives. She would storm the gates of hell to protect any one of us and yes, she is that tough! And my young bride Stella is just like her!

However, even though the poem says, “She gave her a blast of cuss and quirt…” Mammy was never one to cuss! But her “LOOK” could blister you.

Mammy an’ the Black Baldy
As we sit around this campfire,
I’ve got this tale fer you.
It is a bit unusual,
an’ maybe puzzlin’ too.

See, Pap had been to Thursday sale
an’ bought a pen of pairs.
Amongst ‘em, was a black baldy
mean as a dozen bears.

She was some partial to her calf,
kept eye on everyone.
An’ when ‘twas time to work that calf,
here she’d come on the run!

He’d bawl an’ she’d charge that ol’ fence,
which was shore ‘nuff hog tight.
But she still gives it a good bounce,
got madder at its bite.

The more he bawled an’ thrashed about,
the more she worked that pen.
She’d charge, slobberin’ in the dust,
jest raisin’ hell, an’ then…..

Ridin’ up, quite unaware,
rode Mammy on her hoss.
Ol’ Baldy seized her chance right now,
intent to show who’s boss.

Blind rage unleashed, she crossed the ground,
new target now to smash!
Her beller made a turrble sound…
shore ‘nuff a-talkin’ trash!

Mam’s hoss had heard that chargin’ cow,
an’ quickly jumped aside.
Left Mam a-sittin’ in the air,
came down upon that hide.

Ol’ Baldy overshot her mark
an’ skidded to a stop.
Mam jumped off, madder than that cow,
with her quirt, she gave a pop!

Jest made Ol’ Baldy madder.
Red eyed an’ breathin’ fast,
she wheeled around to charge again.
But Mam give her a blast

of cuss an’ quirt, so furious,
she changed her attitude.
Ol’ Baldy turned an’ ran away,
plumb finished with this feud.

‘Cuz Mam was good at learnin’ critters
how not to act a fool,
so, when Ol’ Baldy made her charge…
Mam jest sent her back to school!

© Ol’ Jim Cathey
So take time to give a hug, say thanks, give a hand, or a loving thought or memory to MOM!
Happy Mother’s Day!
God Bless them and God Bless America.