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