Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Don't write about the song) (04/16/15)
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TITLE: Five-Cow Country | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rachel Barrett
04/23/15 -
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Stocked with jackrabbits, dust, and sage;
Five-cow country sets a barren stage
For a brand new married life.
Hand in hand, they buck the odds,
Count their blessings and trust in God;
Five-cow country lays a mighty hard rod
On the backs of man and wife.
Seasons roll, and now there's a child,
But he was too young; that horse got too riled.
Five-cow country lets “if only's” run wild
Past a lonely grave on the hill.
Work salves the silent grief they share;
They still have each other—hearts repair.
Five-cow country mocks every prayer,
But faith helps them trudge a hard mile.
Rain doesn't fall on the ranch this year,
The grass blows away like dried-up tears;
Five-cow country turns lush to sere
And the bank's been hounding that loan.
Coyote song rises under the moon,
They stalk the herd, and death consumes;
Five-cow country strikes a savage tune
And scatters the chewed-up bones.
Sun blazes hot on a dusty pen,
Watch it—that bull's on the prod again.
Five-cow country can shatter good men
No matter how hard they fight.
Bills stack up while his leg is busted;
Should've sold that bull like she insisted.
Five-cow country left him dusted—
He can't win for losing outright.
A life's work loads in the shipping trucks;
Trade half the herd for a few green bucks.
Five-cow country dealt them shucks
But they know Who's in control.
Spring blooms afresh and calving starts,
Long days horseback, but hopeful hearts;
Five-cow country stamps a living mark
On a rancher's body and soul.
Some days they'll stumble, and some they'll stand
Braced by their vows and two gold bands;
Five-cow country writes grace in the sand:
They're blessed by each sacrifice.
He'll face every sunrise as long as he's able,
She'll stand by his side, strong and faithful;
Five-cow country makes two hearts grateful
For love, given worth beyond price.
***
AUTHOR'S NOTE
In Texas, “five-cow country” is the name for the dry and barren stretches west of the Pecos River. It means, literally, the land can only support five cows per section (640 acres, or 1 square mile). Many an unfortunate Easterner has come out in search of cheap land and asked the locals, “How many cows per acre do you stock out here?” In answer, there is only maniacal laughter.
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