Will Rogers an’ the Pig

Will Rogers’ wit, humor, and common sense sayings have been a part of our lives for well over one hundred years. Not only was he an accomplished homespun cowboy humorist and known for his quick wit and political satire, but he was an American treasure and was unequaled in his roping proficiency. He was recognized as a western philosopher and considered humor to be his tool. Will Rogers was at home in the presence of royalty, world leaders, dignitaries, children, and the common man. He was known to say things like, “I never met a man that I did not like.” He would advise folk to, “Live in such a way that you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip!” Will Rogers was born November 4, 1879 and grew up living the ranch life, roping and riding, becoming a proficient artist with the lasso. He made the Guiness Book of World Records by throwing three loops at one time, one around the horses head, one around his own head, and one around all four feet of his horse! The family ranch was near Oologah, Oklahoma, which was at that time a part of Indian Territory. Both of Rogers parents were of Cherokee heritage, a fact that he was proud of. Dur-ing his life, Will Rogers was the author of numerous newspaper columns and six books. As an entertainer, Rogers incorporated rope tricks in his routine as well as an ongoing spiel containing observations about people, politics, and weather. Often, his comments brought humor into play with sayings such as, “Swinging a rope ain’t bad as long as your neck isn’t in it!” or “I am not a member of an organized political party. I am a Democrat.” In 1908, Will Rogers married Betty Blake and they had four children. But his brilliant career would come to a tragic end at age 55. Will Rogers was a passenger in an airplane piloted by Wiley Post when it crashed as they were taking off from a lagoon near Point Barrow, Alaska. However, Will Rogers was prepared with this epitaph, “When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read, ‘I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn’t like.” He went on to say, “I am so proud of that, I can hardly wait to die so it can be carved!” Will Rogers was a great western humorist and made this claim about pigs, “You should never try and teach a pig to read for two reasons. First, it’s impossible; and secondly, it annoys the hell out of the pig!”. so I think this poem will fit. The movie, “Lonesome Dove,” sees Gus McCrae tack a sign on the gate post that reads, “We Rent Pigs.” Maybe that’s where this pig came from.

Thar Jest Ain’t No Accountin’ Fer A Pig Times was hard, an’ money was short, But, we tried to do all we could, The cow market had fell apart, An’ things did not look so good.

Our owner was an onery cuss, Sent his accountant right away, Our boss put up quite a fuss, But this scamp had come to stay.

This bean counter was quite citified, An’ was not a friendly dude, The youngster was picked to be his guide, An’ was treated purty rude.

This tinhorn meant to look about, An’ needed a way to go, Told the button to help him out, There warn’t a chance to say no.

This Kid was just a new hand, But he meant to clear the air, For he was quick to understand, An just figgered it was square.

Got the riggin’ on a salty hoss, An’ brought it to the bunk house door, Had not figgered on the Boss, To come walkin’ ‘crost that floor. Boss told that townie he best not ride… But ‘fore he could have his say, That greenhorn shoved the Boss aside, Shore determined to make his play. Stepped up on that salty hoss, With a smirk upon his face, Seemed to snub his nose at the boss, As he snapped his derby in place!

Just as that Dude stepped on his mount, a pig run under that hoss, Time in the saddle you couldn’t count, As we watched that epic toss. High in the air, soon, down he came, An’ landed with a squishy thud, We all knew the pig was to blame, As he squarshed down in that mud. Wiped that pig mud off as best he could, As he pondered his disgrace, He spit an’ sputtered as he stood, With a pouty look on his face. Then he told the Boss to fetch a rig, ‘Cuz he was a leavin’ these parts, We all had smiles,… as did the pig,

That had won a place in all our hearts!

…….. Thar jest ain’t no accountin’ fer a pig!

© Ol’ Jim Cathey We don’t have a pig at First Baptist Church Marlin but come join us anyhow. God bless each of you, and God Bless America!