COWBOY POETRY: Old Jake

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.

I lay here awake, saddle under my head, just an old quilt and the ground for a bed. Old four-legged Jake has moved in close by to the fire or me?  I’m not really sure why.

He’s been with me through hot and cold.  His days now are numbered, I wish he warn’t old.  

Old Jake and me, we have been quite a team.  We’ve ridden that fence, so it would seem to never run out or come to an end.  We keep it tight. It’s our job to mend.

Now my old bones, are feelin’ the air. Yes sir, Jake and I are sure ‘nuff a pair.  I remember the day when I thought to marry a handsome young gal who was somewhat contrary to a cowboy’s ways and all that he had.  Especially old Jake, who was then just a lad.

She TOLD me to choose.  It was her or my horse. There was only one answer, and that was of course, Old Jake, who always was standin’ nearby.  I said, “Take your dress and your flowers. GOOD-BYE “

The years have flown by.  Did I make the right choice? I can talk to Old Jake.  He don’t need a voice.

It’s lonely for sure, just the two of us here.  Will we both be alive this same time in a year? No use a wonderin’, that fence is our life.  We’re here to the end, no matter the strife.

Well, breakfast’s a cookin’.  What’s a cowboy to do? Even Old Jake will get a biscuit or two.

As I look at the fence there’s a wide gaping hole, and it seems to be saying, “Bring up your soul. ”So with hammer and pliers this cowboy and friend head down the line that just doesn’t end.

 

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