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 grabbed my knife and nippers first, a habit or routine? Which brings me to my
story ‘bout a “Hippie” name of Gene.
Gene would talk your ear off then he’d start in on the other. He weren’t a bit
religious but he always called me brother.
I’d have to say Gene had less brains than a juniper fencepost. I’m not saying he
was stupid, maybe a hippie overdosed?
Before I even had a chance to reach the horse’s leg, Gene’s Harley roared on in
and, to the seat, a strapped-on keg.
Gene claimed the keg was empty and it never left his bike. He called
it, ”Conversation” and it’s what the ladies like.”
He said, “I saw you out here slapping on a few horseshoes. I’m here to spend
some time and give advice that you could use.”
I told him he could help me even though he had no clue. ‘Cuz shoein’ ornery
horses ain’t no Sunday barbecue.
So, I reached the sorrel’s right front foot. Pulled it up between my knees. But the
sorrel pulled on back. I gave my knees an extra squeeze.
I hollered whoa then Gene flipped out, the looney, crazy nut! He stepped up to
the sorrel and he kicked him in the gut.
Gene scared the sorrel half to death, jumped six feet in the air. All I could see was
thrashing hooves. Not a worse place anywhere!
They say a horse won’t step on you. They’d rather go around. I’d like to find who
made that up and stomp him in the ground.
So, the sorrel took off running. Gene offered me a hand. But the words I soundly
blessed him surely shook the Motherland.
Gene hopped up on his chopper. Never saw him past that day. If you see a keg
strapped to a Harley, stay the heck away!