Ringers Reunion

[Glen Hughes]

66 - Ringers Reunion

We’re past the age of younger
and the years are moving fast,
the words gone out for Ringers
a Reunion’s called at last.
A muster of the masters,
I guess that’s me and you,
first day in October,
twenty, twenty two.

Way back in the sixties,
young, fit and keen,
taught the art of Ringin,
so eager but so green.
On the road, eventful,
horse and beast to trust,
in the yard, adrenaline,
all rip tear and bust.

Taught the art of breaking,
needed quite a few,
ready for a muster,
at least a week or two.
To rope, hobble, halter,
bag and show who’s boss,
to mouth and teach to tie up,
saddle, ride’n toss.

Some were so responsive,
some had turn of speed,
others were just clumpers,
nothin there to feed.
On their toes for cutting,
quickest on the face,
position, balance, timing,
in and out of pace.

Bronco horse for catching,
good men on the ground,
all work in together,
job needs trust al’round.
Quick to learn the basics,
part of Ringin life,
fire drum, hot and glowing,
ropes, brands and knife.

Night horse close and handy
in case the mob should rush,
quick from swag to saddle,
night horse earns your trust.
Dust is thick and choking,
catch the lead and turn,
settle, mob together,
much to watch and learn.

Those days done and dusted,
just memories of the time,
horse replaced by noise machines,
two and four wheel kind.
Cradles used for branding,
portable yards and scales,
the bronco horse is history,
That Ringers Ship has sailed.

All so much in common,
we’ll ride and talk all night,
the best and worst of everything
of what was wrong and right.
Mate ship, beer and music
jugs of coke and rum,
excited for our catch-up
and we’ll raise a glass to some.

Glen Hughes ©
6/6/22