Stories left behind tell the history of a culture

Storytelling can be used as a method to teach ethics and values as well as for sharing and interpreting experiences and  memories. 

You see, it is one of the many effective ways to educate both the young and old about their cultures, identities and history. And it covers all ages because it is a tool that helps pass on knowledge. 

A good storyteller will first set up the situation to introduce the subject to the listener. Then, explain how the subject or circumstances impact the story. And finish with the results of the confrontation or desired end to the story. 

Studying the history of cowboy poetry, you find love and romance well represented in the western culture. 

Cowboys are quite famous for being able to face up to harsh conditions, bad hombres, and all sorts of wild untamed animals, but their legs turn to jelly, their tongues get tangled, and their brain is urging them to run when they come face to face with the wiles of a woman! 

Now usually, the situation gets worked out or the cowboy simply rides off into the sunset.                                                                                    

I have enjoyed the works of S. Omar Barker, a classic cowboy poet from New Mexico. 

Born in 1894, in a log cabin on a ranch near Beulah, New Mexico and lived his entire life there until his death in1985. 

He grew up the youngest of eleven children. After college in Las Vegas, New Mexico, he lived the life of an educator, a legislator, a newspaper correspondent, played trombone in a band, and served in World War I as a sergeant of the 502nd Engineers.                                                                                                                          Squire Omar Barker was a prolific writer of short stories, novelettes, factual articles, and over 2,000 poems. 

Probably his best known poem was  “A Cowboy’s Christmas Prayer.”  

Probably his most recited poem is about how an old Texas cowhand named Jack Potter met,  courted, and proposed to  his wife, Cordie. 

This cowboy did not ride off into the sunset, but his bride said that when  he proposed, he did not kiss her, but kissed his hoss instead! “Jack Potter’s Courtin’” is a poem that I enjoy reciting and have received permission from S. Omar Barker’s estate to use his poetry.                                                       I wrote this poem for my young bride of some 60  years. You got to give the woman credit…she doesn’t give up easily!

Dadburn Woman

The trail dust was thick as he let the herd go roamin’,                                                                                                            pickin’ it’s own slow winding path to the river.                                                                                                                        He smiled as his thoughts went to that dadburn woman,                                                                                               whose sparklin’ eyes an’ quick smile shore made him shiver. 

So, with herd beddin’ down he rode toward the shed.

He’d do what was needed to take care of his ride,

got his pony unsaddled, rubbed down, an’ fed.

Then he hurried up the path toward his young bride.

He took off his spurs an’ he took off his hat.

She stood there, with that smile that give him a rush.

He was eighty plus, no denyin’ that,

But he felt his heart throb an’ felt his face flush.

For more’n  sixty years, he’d loved that gal,

thru good times an’ hard, an’ good times again.

Sometimes it was tough, but she was his pal,

an’ thru it all, they knew where they’d been.

She had stood on that stairway, a long time ago,

a vision of beauty, like angels  above.

He shook his head an’ knew it was so,

absolutely no doubt, she was his love.

Sweethearts for a time, they’d married in May,

had a summer job an’ a house then off to school.

They planned an’ they loved as they made their way,

 finishin’  their education would be the first rule.

The children had come, yes, money was short.

An’ work filled their days an’ troubles were tough,

but they clung to each other, joined at the heart.                                                                                                                    Fer they were a family an’ that was enough.

The children growed up, then kicked loose their traces.

You’d taught ‘em an’ loved ‘em, let the Lord be known,

they’d  married an’ blessed  us with grandkids faces.

That’s how the plan works, out there on their own.

So he hung up his spurs an’ he hung up his hat.

Took her in his arms, said, “Dadburn Woman, I shore love you!”

She smiled as she hugged him, said, “I know that.”

Blinked back a happy tear, an’ said, “I love you too!”  

Ol’ Jim Cathey

Thanks for listening. Might be a good time to give your squeeze a little peck on the cheek!

Hope you will join us at First Baptist Church Marlin this Sunday.

God bless each of you and God Bless America!