Mackenzie Trail

When doves on evenings, calm and still, call out a hollow tone, They rouse a medley, old as time, so few have ever known. The whispered lines of its refrains resound of yesterday, In ancient tales and bygone trails that man cannot portray. I’ve rode and worked along a trail throughout my many years. I’ve heard the tales the sages tell of raging Longhorn steers, Of soldiers marching single file or mounted days on end, Of Indians, conquistadors and Rangers tracking men. Mackenzie Trail is not well known for time obscures its fame, But high regard is placed on it by those who know its name. Its story’s scribed in black and white, its remnants etched in stone, Its way was marked by sweat and blood, by grave and bleaching bone. The broad frontier that it traversed had yet to be surveyed And danger seemed to lie in wait at every turn and grade. From Fort Clark Springs to forts on north, it led Mackenzie’s men To risk their lives out on the trail, then brought them home again. A mound lies near Mackenzie Lake, where horse thieves met despair, For Rangers tracked their hurried trail and hung them then and there. And near a barn not far away, in Live Oaks’ blissful shade, The remnants of a camp still lie where soldiers often laid. I’ve rode the trail and damned the rock that cost my horse a shoe. I’ve crossed its draws that filled with rain and made my lips turn blue. Its rugged paths have tested me and all who’ve come this way, Yet, it remains my trail through time, my bond with yesterday. Mackenzie Trail will long survive, a monument to will, That I recall when I ride near on evenings, calm and still; When doves exclaim in harmony, their lonely, hollow tone And rouse the medley, old as time, so few have ever known.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009



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Date: 3/14/2010 8:09:00 AM
Mr. Fish, this is just a wonderful poem ! Congratulations onyour win !!!! This poem has an edge with me....My sons and I have roamed a trail my neck of the woods all my life...in fact my father took me to these woods when I was 10 and I found this trail myself and been coming since, though I have rode a horse or two through here in the past...the only shoes we lost are the ones we wore to the nub ! Congrats again Sir ! james
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Date: 3/5/2010 1:17:00 PM
My congratulations on your win in the PS Intl. Contest! Peace, Audrey
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Date: 3/3/2010 11:43:00 PM
Marvelous! Very entertaining piece of art. Congratulations my friend. Ernilando
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Date: 3/3/2010 7:59:00 AM
Excellent story teller. Loved it.
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Date: 3/2/2010 5:44:00 PM
mucho congrats to you Jim on your great win here in the big one! Awesome poem....couldn';t help but be a winner. Hope all is well my friend. -Robert
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Date: 3/2/2010 4:43:00 PM
A well loved verse and place! Marvelous! Light & Love
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Date: 3/2/2010 10:06:00 AM
Congratulations on your ninth place win Jim. Awesome poem. Agape, Moses
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Date: 3/1/2010 11:17:00 AM
Good tale of how the West was one, so much history in poetry. Great work, congrats on placing in the contest. Judy Riley
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Date: 3/1/2010 9:00:00 AM
Thanks for your kind words, Jim. You've written a wonderful poem here. My favorite line is "I've heard the tales the sages tell of raging Longhorn steers." You really bring it to life.
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Date: 3/1/2010 8:57:00 AM
Congratulations on your win in the October 2009 PoetrySoup International Poetry Site Contest Jim. Love, Carol
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Date: 2/28/2010 8:39:00 PM
Congrats Jim on your featured poem on the Soup this week.. wonderful win.. luv..Linda-Marie "Sweetheart" of Poetry Soup..
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Date: 2/28/2010 3:47:00 PM
Just wanted to drop by and add congratulations on being one of the winners in the Soup contest to my other comment. Enjoy your honor. Wishing you continued success. Karen
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Date: 2/28/2010 1:48:00 PM
Fantastic win in the contest, Jim.... I love this poem! jmg
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Date: 1/20/2010 1:11:00 AM
Jim, Today I am taking the time to enjoy myself reading some of my favorite poems. Your poem, “MacKenzie Trail ” is one of my favorite poems. I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading it, again. Thank you for sharing. Lovingly, Dane Ann
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Date: 12/27/2009 8:51:00 AM
Congratulations, another wonderful write. Good luck in the finals. Caryl
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Date: 12/23/2009 9:44:00 PM
like a peaceful flowing river that can rage at any time, this fine poem is an absolute delight to read! Jim! CONGRATS! and good luck in the finals! jimbo
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Date: 12/21/2009 1:00:00 PM
Congrats. on a much deserved first round with three Poems. Jim, Sincerely, Love Moses
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Date: 12/21/2009 8:48:00 AM
Hi Jim my friend, Congrats on your poem winning the first round of PS contest!! Three poems making the grade is really something!! Very well deserved, enjoyed reading your wonderful poetry. Here’s wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! May 2010 be your best year ever! Love Light Patty
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Date: 12/20/2009 10:04:00 AM
Many congratulations on reaching the second round with your fine poem >> James
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Date: 12/5/2009 4:02:00 PM
Hi Him, Wow! This is one beautiful poem. I love the story you tell of Mackenzie trail, didn't want it to end. Lovely ending too. Congrats on your amazing poem being featured this week! Happy Holidays to you and yours my friend. Love Light Patty
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Date: 12/4/2009 8:21:00 PM
Awesome poetry with amazing imagery. Congrats on your poem being featured this week. I enjoyed the journey. Thanks for sharing. Caroline.
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Date: 12/1/2009 4:25:00 AM
Congratulations on your excellent poem being featured this week Jim. May you have many more. Love, Carol
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Date: 11/30/2009 12:54:00 PM
Many congratulations on your poem being featured Jim >> James
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Date: 11/30/2009 6:00:00 AM
Excellente write. Congratulations on having your poem featured this week. A. W. www.freewebs.com/abcedit
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Date: 11/30/2009 12:04:00 AM
Congrats on your feature poem this week Jim.Rgds Brian
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