He drove to the ranch as the corral was beginning to fill. <br /> A rider was coming behind the herd over the top of the hill. <br /> Two dogs were working back and forth, the dust rose in a swirl. <br /> He did a double take you see, for this rancher was a girl. <br /> <br /> She stepped down from the horse, then turned and said "Hi, <br /> Come on in the house, we'll have some coffee and some pie." <br /> He stood awhile, he didn't believe one gal could bring the herd in <br /> And waited a bit to make sure no more riders came back to the pen. <br /> <br /> They visited 'till he could stand it no more and had to ask <br /> "Do you run this ranch alone? Isn't that a terrible task?" <br /> "It's all I know" she answered him, "It's all I've ever done. <br /> For you see, I lost my Dad in '76, and my Bill in '81. <br /> <br /> I wanted to be a rancher's wife to help him with the place <br /> To raise a family by his side and grow older face to face <br /> I don't understand the way things are, but trust it is God's plan. <br /> He gave me a son, my pride and joy, David helps me when he can. <br /> <br /> Most of the ranch work I can do, tho' it takes me awhile longer, <br /> For when the guys come to help, I find they are much stronger. <br /> With friends and neighbors I've been blessed, they are all so kind. <br /> A more caring group of people, I know you would never find. <br /> <br /> Do I run the ranch alone? No, for God is here with me. <br /> He gave me a love for the land and the animals you see. <br /> But it's not mine, I'm only here to care for it awhile. <br /> I just hope there's a horse to ride, to go my final mile." <br /> <br /> As he leaves, they walk outside, the critters hear her speak, <br /> By the way they all act, you'd think she's been gone a week. <br /> Now if you should see this fellow where life's toils they unfurl, <br /> He'll probably tell you of a place, where the rancher is a girl.<br /><br />Alma M. Kaps<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-rancher/
