Robert L. Hinshaw Poet Rhyme

Young, Skinny Fellers Needed!

"Young, skinny, wiry fellows needed!" want ads and posters stated!
(Thus the Pony Express to deliver the western mail was created!)
"You mustn't weigh over 125 pounds nor be over eighteen years of age.
We'll provide a horse and saddle - 25 bucks a week will be your wage!"

One of the fearless founders, Mr. Majors, was a very religious man,
And he had 'em take a solemn oath even before they began,
Swearin' not to gamble, cuss er git drunk er they'd be fired without delay!
He gave each of 'em a Bible and sent 'em on their perilous way!

They galloped frum St Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, Californy and back,
With a gun, their Bible and twenty pounds uv mail in their saddle pack.
They had a horn they blew to alert the stationmaster to saddle another horse!
'Twas the latest and greatest system 'til the invention by Mr. Morse!

They kept the mail movin' day and night through rain, sleet and snow,
Greeted now and then by disgruntled Indians and their twangin' bow!
They crossed the Rocky Mountains, arid deserts and Great Plains.
To avoid such rascals as Jesse James, they took the greatest pains!

This great experiment lasted about 18 months and gradually fizzled out,
When the telegraph and "iron hoss" took over that treacherous route.
But durin' its short-lived life it did the job the founders designed it for.
'Twas just another chapter of American history consigned to western lore!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Carolyn Devonshire June 18, 2010 at 3:20 PM Wow, I didn't know the Pony Express only ran for 18 months. And it sounds like they wanted teeny tiny jockey-types to ride the horses. Still, I think I would have liked this job very much. Enjoyed the poem, Bob, and the history lesson. I have a new contest going and decided to post a poem today. Just missed writing too much. Love, Carolyn

Tirzah Conway June 17, 2010 at 8:11 PM Wonderful poem about one of my favorite subjects! They used to have a pony express race every year in honor of the short lived Pony Express!~Tirzah~

Ralph Taylor June 17, 2010 at 7:55 PM Great History lesson, Sarge. Factual and well written. Best to you folks. Ralph/Una

David Byrne June 17, 2010 at 7:07 PM really interesting....thanks!

Poet Destroyer A June 17, 2010 at 2:08 PM Ooo! Bob H. this is really really brilliant. I enjoyed the whole thought and history about the ending experiment,...this one is going to my favorite,,,I am a JESSES JAMES rascal lover,..enjoyed and have yourself a good one,..p.d.