Skookum Jim

Skookum Jim wuz born the son uv a Chief uv the Tagish Injun tribe. Ain't much known about his youth - ain't no totem left to describe. 'Tis known he wuz born in the Yukon where man struggles to survive; Where a man must hunt and fish fer grub - 'tis a wonder he stays alive! Fer years Skookum packed supplies frum Skagway up the Chilkoot Pass. 'Tis said he was as straight as a rifle barrel and strong as a barnyard ass! 'Tis alleged he toted 156 pounds uv bacon up the pass on one uv his trips, Strugglin' through sleet, rain and streams - snow reachin' nigh his hips! 'Tis claimed that Skookum Jim discovered gold along ripplin' Rabbit 'Crick', And started the frenzied Klondike Gold Rush wieldin' his spade and pick! His sidekick, old George Carmack, who 'married' Jim's sister Kate, Also takes credit fer the find leavin' the truth wide-open fer debate! Skookum Jim worked frum dawn to dusk diggin' in the icy slime and muck, He struck it rich, as the sayin' goes - the more he dug the more he struck! Many's the night he spread spruce boughs fer his couch in the blowin' snow, And feasted on beans and bacon fried on campfires at thirty-five below! He showed up at Mulroney's Roadhouse in loud plaid shirts and gaudy ties. Jim wuz treated as a white man now and could imbibe in beers and ryes! As his end neared, Jim made final preparations includin' a coffin and stone. Alas, few have heard of Skookum Jim who died rich, yet all alone! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved