The early scrub or cracker cattle
Were of Spanish and British Blood
Could fight off pests and diseases
Burning sun and torrential flood.
The cowmen were a hardy bunch of men
Riding as far as Savannah and Jackson
Until they re established trade again
With Cuba and Tampa in eighteen thirty one
How proudly man and horse together
Rode behind these noble beasts
Small of stature big of heart bringing
to this painting, a proud history released
Not many true cracker cows remain
Tours are made for people go see
How Florida played a part in the food chain
During wartime feeding the military
This painting shows the patience of man
Riding with a dog at his side
Cattle ambling slowly in line
Cracker Cowman at work, full of pride.
Penned 27 February 2015
Visual used : Robert Butler painting Cracker Cowman