The Farrier

He billed himself as an expert in the field of "equine podiatry", Better known as a farrier for farmers and the cream of society! Keeping horses shod and their hooves polished was his vocation. With horseflesh he'd had many an interesting confrontation! He always had a roll-yer-own dangling from his lips, And a blackened leather apron wrapped about his hips. His jaw was set and with biceps wrought of tempered steel, He'd strike the anvil with his hammer - what a rhythmic peal! In his jumbled shop he'd shod animals of many breeds. Donkeys, mules, ponies and prized Arabian steeds. He shoed critters pulling covered wagons to unknown frontiers, And many a cowpokes cayuse for the round-up of his steers! One detail they didn't cover when he was in farrier school, Was how to deal with the occasional cantankerous mule. Many times he'd found himself sprawled upon the dirt, With the outline of a hoof imprinted upon his shirt! Tho' his profession never guaranteed a life of glamour, And knowing he'd not get rich wielding a tongs and hammer, Yet, it was challenging working with ornery mule and horse, Always hoisting their hindquarters very gingerly of course! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)