Bryce Angell is a cowboy poet. Angell was raised on a farm/ranch in the St. Anthony, Idaho area with approximately 75 head of horses. Horses remain an important part of Angell’s life.
Angell shares his poetry with Cache Valley Daily every Friday.
I opened up my pocketknife and cut a piece of cheese. The blade was sharp
enough to shave and sliced the cheese with ease.
My good wife asked me, “Have you ever washed your knife with soap?” I slightly
hesitated, then I answered with a “Nope!”
And then she said, “I wonder what your knife’s been in today?” I had to think a
minute, but as far as I could say,
“Well, Old Cyruss had a nasty sore that oozed a bit of pus. So, I sliced it with my
pocketknife. Now there ain’t no need to fuss.
“Cuz I wiped the blade across my shirt between the spurts of goo. That sore had
built up pressure, squirted out from here to you.
“I cut a month of cockleburs right off the mane and tail. Whoa, you better take a
load off hon. You’re lookin’ mighty pale.
“The sliver that was festerin’ alongside my big toe, well I dug it with my
pocketknife. There ain’t much left to show.
“And talk about my toe, I got a nasty case of gout. But still opened up my
pocketknife and cleaned my toenails out.”
My Old Timer knife ain’t pretty. It has lost its shiny hew. I’ve sharpened it so
many times the blade is half worn through.
I’d have to say in my lifetime ain’t found a better tool. And if you’ve never had a
knife, well maybe you’re the fool.
My father gave me my first knife when I turned eight years old. The finest gift I’d
ever had, meant more to me than gold.
I couldn’t guess how many knives I’ve worn out since that time. Or restored an
old and lost one found amidst the dirt and grime.
I never leave the house without my pocketknife at hand. To me it’s more than
just a knife. No need to understand.
So, don’t you fret none ‘bout my knife. I know you think it’s rank. I soaked it
deep in alcohol. The brand your uncle drank.
And if you’re wonderin’ did I throw your uncle’s booze away? Well, I did one even
better, chugged the last drop down today.