My husband, an outdoorsman, came to bed
with a coonskin cap on his massive head;
he said it helps him feel firm.
I try not to laugh and squirm.
I yield to his needs; I bought a pelt spread.
Johnny was a lover of God's country
who roamed cherished land because he was free.
A skilled outdoorsman with backcountry charms,
he donned a burlap sack with holes for arms.
To wear rugged shoes was quite a blessing,
for barefoot he'd trek, soles without dressing.
He wore a useful pot upon his head,
books have depicted, historians said.
He was kind and gentle to all God's life,
though he was childless and had no wife.
He escaped wild beasts, slept under stars,
and had tales to tell along with scars.
As an optimist with fistfuls of seed,
he ceased moments to meet a future need.
Crisp and delicious, he loved apples' taste,
pocketing precious seed to sow in haste.
Imaging orchards graceful and wild,
he planted new life with faith of a child.
With settlers he'd barter for basic needs
blessing them with the product of his seeds.
From Pennsylvania to Iowa's ground,
Johnny's living legacy can be found.
1/20/2021
A spelunker he was
from adolescence on.
An outdoorsman
with the best equipment
exploring caves
one after another
shining a big flashlight
as he weaved among the
stalactites and stalagmites
saying he would never
explore another cave
once he found the right one.
He found that cave at forty,
sold his flashlight,
married and settled down.
Donal Mahoney
BROTHER JACK
Just and passionate
A true outdoorsman year around
Cannot change his iron will—it’s like a force of nature
Kinsmen treasure his stalwart company and joy of cooking
Big man with grace in strength
Roars the engine when he waits too long
Only reads in the dead of night
Takes kids out to ski without a grumble
Holds a glass each day to toast the dusk
Escapes the winter to fish the Gulf Coast
Rigs up shelters for wandering bluebirds
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