Welcome to another edition of Monday Memories. This poem was originally written in January, 2019. This version has been updated and edited, but it still tells the same story through poetry.
Photo credit: Jack Sorenson Fine Art, Inc.
A tardy, spring snowstorm assaults the grassy range
It provides a local rancher with extra work and pain
A newborn calf has lost her way in the heavy snow
She needs to be found soon before the wind blows
A solitary cowboy proceeds into the storm on his horse
He prepares to track down the stray calf in due course
An oversized winter coat protects him from the bitter cold
He pulls down a worn, black hat and looks ready and bold
The horse stands majestic and obeys each command
He and the cowboy will tackle the work hand in hand
The courageous pair rides together into the nasty storm
Both will be tested to rescue the lonely calf before morn
The snowflakes thankfully hesitate for a moment or two
Now the cowboy follows the calf’s tracks, totally in view
The stout horse plows through the snow so white
The lost calf may soon be discovered in their sight
The frightened calf huddles near a sheltering Ponderosa pine
She appears weak, cold, exhausted, and running out of time
The cowboy gathers the bawling calf in his brawny arms
He places her on the front of his saddle, away from harm
The threesome struggle to reach a much warmer place
Everyone looks forward to warm nourishment to taste
They journey to the ranch as quickly as possible
The loss of a vigorous calf is no longer probable
The cowboy dismounts and allows the calf to sprint free
She hurries to her waiting mother who is pleased to see
Mother and daughter stand together, united at long last
The calf nurses and sucks nourishment amazingly fast
The trusty and faithful horse is now saddle free
He devours extra oats with tasty hay with glee
The range’s guardian has returned home safe and sound
He finds his anxious wife and son, who no longer frown
The family of three feel graciously loved and blessed
The faithful shepherd has returned from a stern test
