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 pulled the cinch up extra tight. We’d planned a day long ride. Cyrus felt the final
tug. His eyes were open wide.
But then my father came a running. Made old Cyrus shy. He hollered he’d forgot
that it’s the 4 th day of July.
He said, “Undo your saddle, then untie each saddlebag! And load the horses in
the truck. We’ve gotta find a flag!”
It amazed me how the two of us forgot this special day. Somewhere he’d find a
flag to show respect in his own way.
This time my father drove. He pressed the pedal to the floor. I could feel his
desperation as he spoke about the war.
He talked about his friends who fought and some of them who died. And men
who lived would go on living all torn up inside.
He said he made a promise to respect those men he knew. He’d always stand and
give salute to our great red, white and blue.
I could see my father’s worry with his furrowed eyebrow frown. ‘Cuz it seemed to
take forever just to make it back to town.
At the edge of town my father said, “We’re finally making hay. It’s looking like
we’re celebrating Independence Day.”
The parade was getting started. Two Grand Marshals took the lead. Both
honored guests were sitting high up on their favorite steed.
But out in front our country’s flag stood tall and absolute. Dad said, “I’m not in
uniform, but still I’ll give salute.”
He stood up straight, saluted, while the flags went passing by. I swear it was
enough to make a grown man start to cry.
Well, that was many years ago. I too respect the flag. My father’s keen example
taught me right. That ain’t no brag.
Our flag’s a sign of freedom but it hasn’t come by luck. Too many men and
women died to keep us from amok.
This time of year, our flag will fly at shows and rodeos. Remember ‘bout our
forefathers. The life for us they chose.
So, when you see the flag go by let’s try and all connect and place our hand above
our heart and show our flag respect.