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Calvin' Time

Lookin' At Life - 01/01/2000
by Joe Kreger

I have an easy, peaceful feelin'
as I begin to write this rhyme
about my favorite season-
when it's calvin' time.

We have two seasons on our ranch;
we calve both spring and fall.
But, come folks don't care what months they calve.
They just calve throughout them all.

For a lot of ranchers that I know,
calvin' time is somethin' to endure.
To them it's just another cow fact-
like heelflies and manure.

To some folks the season bring memories
of ridin' horseback in drivin' rain
and workin' out in mud, knee-deep.
pullin' on an O.B. chain.

I must admit to havin' had
my share of all of that,
but I wouldn't miss out on calvin'
for a brand new ten X hat.

I just enjoy saddlin' up
and headin' down to the calvin' trap.
It's a trip I make most frequent,
and I sure don't need a map.

The sight I see is moo'in' matrons
with udders tight and bellies round.
I know the time is getting' short
'til the young'uns hit the ground.

I like to see a baby make his entry
and struggle to his feet,
as he sways and weaves like a little drunk,
and nuzzles for somethin' to eat.

When his huntin' search is over,
and he finds his mama's bag,
you can tell when milk meets stomach,
'cause his tail begins to wag.

That's the sight you're lookin' to see,
and it's good for a cowman's heart,
for he knows that another young'un
is off to a solid start.

Sometimes, I just like to stop
and lean back on ol' Buck's rump,
watchin' all those baby calves,
as they buck and butt and jump.

When the image of healthy baby calves
starts fillin' up my eyes,
I start makin' plans for the future,
and I begin to fantasize.

"That clean-sheathed red bull calf
is dang sure lookin' stout.
He's liable to make that herd bull
that'll someday bail us out."

"And the mottleface on number 93-
man, look at the meat and bone.
In our breedin' program, someday,
he could be a cornerstone."

"That fancy little dun heifer,
she's awful young yet, I'll allow,
but I bet she has the makin's
of a first-class mama cow."

Though reality will tell me
that profit's becomin' a rarity,
my mind is set at calvin' time
on optimism and prosperity.

Expenses are outrunnin' income
and the gap is getting' wide.
But the sights and thoughts of calvin' time
are still good for me, inside.

For, as long as I can hang on
and take my livin' from this earth,
I'll be a regular in attendance
at God's miracle of birth.


Joe Kreger's book, Lookin' At Life,is dedicated to his son.
The subtitle, Critters, includes this special poem about Calvin' Time.
To purchase books or CD's by Joe Kreger contact The High Plains Journal at l-800- 954-5263. Personal appearances contact his Agent, Rustin Hamilton at (816) 452-3513 or email: rustin@hamiltonprod.com.

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