Colorado Cowboy Saga

Colorado Cowboy Saga

Grandad became a cowboy,
 Though born in the mountains of Tennessee,
His family moved to Colorado –
 Just when he turned three;
Fleeing from the Civil War’s animosity
 Traveled in a wagon ‘cross the wide prairies

Four brothers taught the youngest child
 How to ride and brand
How to feed the cattle
 How to take a stand
How to rope, how to ranch
 And care for the land

He grew up tall and strong
 Like the mountains of his heartbeat
In winter and in summer
They called his restless feet
And Grandad knew the mountains
 Like city kids know streets

And with his pinto pony
 Rode the mail every day
Nederland to Central City
 Oh, he knew the way –
Sometimes frozen in the saddle
 For warm weather he prayed.

Drove the cows to Denver
 From high country fields
With sharp whistles and with yells
 He stayed on the cattle’s heels
Through the cut at Boulder
 For the sweet autumn grass revealed

When I was a little girl
 On grandad’s lap I’d sit
He’d tell me of his boyhood
 Cowboy tales true grit
How he loved his cowboy life
  Maybe he fudged a bit?

The city was my birthplace
 I knew and loved it well
But in my heart grandad planted
 A cowboy song to tell
Though he dreamed of bustling cities
 His heart bewitched by a cowboy spell.

True story.
Even though my grandfather became an entrepreneur, he never forgot his childhood as a cowboy in the mountains and prairies of Colorado.

1-31-21
Contest: Cowboy Poetry
Sponsor: Line Gauthier
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Carber Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 1:06 PM
Went to Colorado once and loved it! Wish I and gone to college there--congrats Sam on a fine poem!
Mitra Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 1:48 AM
Such an amazing write...Congrats on your win Sam :)
Kauffman Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 10:17 AM
Thank you so much Carol. My grandfather was an amazing man. It is an honor to honor him with this poem. He accomplished much in his long life. It has been an amazing journey to think about him in the many stages of his life. All the best.! Blessings to you! :)
Merryman Avatar
March 24, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Such a wonderful legacy you have! Great write, Sam! Congrats on your win! Blessings, Kim M
Kauffman Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 10:19 AM
Hi Kim! Thank you for your lovely message. Granddad and his family have left an incredible legacy for our family not only in Colorado, but in their American story. All the best to you. Sending you blessings of joy!
Ray Choudhury Avatar
March 24, 2021 at 8:43 AM
How much I love this poem, Sam - feels like it’s my poem too! My family moved to a completely different environment, and my mother used to tell me about a tea-garden where she spent her childhood. I grew up with the picture of a lush tea-garden in my dreams. Congratulations on your win. Love ~ Mala
Kauffman Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 10:31 AM
Thank you Mala. I loved writing about my grandfather's experiences as a cowboy - brought new understandings of him and his family. Your tea garden just sounds incredible - lush with serenity and memories. Truly, it must have been a treasured oasis. Thank you so much for sharing the legacy of your family! It has enriched my day. Hope you are well. Sending you blessings of joy and much love!
Proxenos Avatar
February 5, 2021 at 11:03 AM
What a perfect Cowboy story Sam it was watching an episode of Bonanza. Loved every word every sentence, in fact loved the whole poem. Good luck in the contest my friend, I wrote one for the contest too but I just missed it. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Kauffman Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 10:25 AM
I think my response to you wonderful message is wandering somewhere in the ether! I too loved Bonanza. The family was so wonderfully portrayed. Reminded me of Granddad's family. Had a chance to experience the Bonanza ranch at a corporate event. Really fun! I hope you are well. Getting ready for Easter - can't believe how quickly it has come. Sending you Easter blessings and prayers.l
Blodgett Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 3:14 AM
Great storytelling Sam!! Felt every heartbeat in this Cowboy tale. A sure winner!
Kauffman Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 9:44 AM
Oh, thank you so much Lonna. My grandfather was very special to me. It is an honor to honor his story - truly an all American saga. Hope you are well. So good to hear from you! Blessings and all the best to you and your talented pen.
Y. Avatar
February 2, 2021 at 2:37 PM
Hi Sam, What a great story. The fact that it's true is a bonus. WoW! Your grandfather was a cowboy—good content and rhymes. Best wishes in the contest. Have a great day:-) Alexis
Edmonds  Avatar
February 2, 2021 at 11:58 AM
A wonderful story told through poetry Sam, true too, that’s amazing. Loved the write, both the rhyming flow and content. Best wishes ~ Belle
Kauffman Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 10:36 AM
Thank you so much Belle! Just discovered your lovely message. In all of the craziness of February I missed it. I am so sorry. Doing a little happy dance to know you enjoyed my grandfather's story. He was an amazing man and his is the story of America! Easter blessings to joy to you!
Brul Avatar
February 1, 2021 at 6:35 AM
Wow Sam!! This cowboy story resonates with me..I was a grand dad's girl,too..and my grand dad was once a cow boy. You took me back to those good old day in the farm... Best wishes!! A fAVE!!
Kauffman Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 9:54 AM
Hi JCB! Being a "grandad's girl" is truly special and knowing we share that "cowboy" connection is a very special and unique connection - a treasure! You honor me with your fave - thank you! So glad you resonated with his story and liked this piece. Take care. Blessings and all the best to you!
Cunningham Avatar
January 31, 2021 at 11:47 AM
Enjoyed your verse Sam, Ive always loved stories of the old west, although a cowboy life is seen as glamorous it was damned hard work. Over Fork Over. Good luck in the contest. Tom
Kauffman Avatar
February 3, 2021 at 9:48 AM
Hi Tom! Didn't realize I hadn't responded to your delightful message! Yikes! Grandad and his family truly were a part of the old west. That is a treasured heritage for my family. And, you are right - it was a hard life characterized by hard work! Hope you are well. Blessings and all the best! Over Fork Over.
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