About This Blog

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I have loved things Country and Western all of my life. I have loved the ranches and farms, the work, the fields, the barns, livestock, and the food. I was born and raised in Kentucky where I learned to ride and care for horses. Most of my family lived on farms and/or were livestock producers. I have raised various livestock and poultry over the years.I have sold livestock feed and minerals in two states. My big hats and boots are only an outward manifestation of the country life I hold dear to my heart. With the help of rhyme or short story, in recipes or photos, I make an effort in this blog to put into words my day to day observations of all things rural; the things that I see and hear, from under my hat. All poems and short stories, unless noted otherwise, are authored by me. I hope you enjoy following along.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Old Charlies Gone



We gathered ‘round the chow wagon today

Quietly kickin at the dust,

Not wanting to hear what the boss had to say,

But say it, we knew he must.


We had a notion what was goin on.

With saddle on, but rider missin,

Old Charlies' Bay stood all alone.

We saw the boss comin in the distance.


“You boys gather round me now”

He said as he trotted in,

“ I’ll find the way to say this somehow,

Old Charlie was my friend.”


“He was cheerful in all weathers

And he never shirked a task..

As a cowboy, there was never better.

He did all a man could ask.”


“We camped in canyons, and mountains steep.

Worked weary to the bone.

But he got throwed today at McCraney Creek,

And now old Charlie's gone.”


“If you can live your seventy years

And wear the wounds he wore…

Well, .. maybe y’all can measure up.

Now, I’ll say no more”


He rode away leavin dust in the air,

A tear in the corner of his eye.

We took off our hats, while Pete said a prayer.

The Boss had already said ‘goodbye’.

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 Cannot be used  without express permission from the author
K.L. Dennie July 2012