COWBOY POETRY: A Hungry Trail Ride

Bryce Angell is a cowboy poet. Angell was raised on a farm/ranch in the St. Anthony, Idaho area with approximately 75 head of horses. Horses remain an important part of Angell's life.  Angell shares his poetry with Cache Valley Daily every Friday.

We’d spent three days out on the trail, the corrals a welcome sight. I’d swear I lost a pound or two. My wranglers weren’t as tight.

I know I’ve gone without some food, but never on the trail. So I’d like to tell you ‘bout that ride. The trip was bound to fail.

A friend of ours asked if we packed into the Yellowstone. My father said, ”We’ve packed for years. I’d say that’s how we’re known.”

The friend then said, “There’re ten of us.” That’s when he sounded shrewd. He said if we would pack them in they’d furnish all the food.

My father said, “We usually furnish food and all the gear. For you we’ll make exceptions, but I want to make this clear.

“You’ll have enough for everyone. There’ll be a cook each meal. If you can make that promise, then you’ve got yourself a deal.”

They made a handshake on the deal. For Dad, that’s good enough. The other fellow wasn’t true. His handshake was a bluff.

We taught them how to pack the food. It had to be just right. But when we loaded up the mules those packs were sure ‘nuff light.

At dinner they fixed tuna fish. Someone forgot the bread. So then we had some mac and cheese, don’t think we all got fed.

For breakfast we had cheerios and they were soggy too. We even mixed up powered milk. I’ve tasted better glue.

The cook said we’d have scrambled eggs. That sounded great to me. But he’d only brought a dozen so he’d have to wait and see.

I don’t remember having lunch, at night more tuna fish. So I robbed some spam and crackers. It wasn’t a half-bad dish.

We weren’t allowed to catch the trout. But I didn’t give a #&*@! I caught a half a dozen, then I mixed ‘em with the spam.

I don’t believe that any of us got enough to eat. But I learned a darned good lesson. It doesn’t pay to cheat.

I made a promise then and there. The main thing I’d include, was when I’m on the trail I’d have a saddlebag of food.

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