The period just after the Civil War is one of my favorite in American history. It was a time of rapid westward expansion into the sparsely settled Plains and mountain fastnesses of the young and growing country. It was the time of great herds moving northward from the brushy wildness of Texas to the nearest rail head. Sometimes my mind thinks on what it would be like to be upon those great drives....
The steers stood slowly.
Colorful hides contrasted with the green lushness
Of early Spring grasses
That drew them ever northward
To the markets that awaited
At the end of the trail.
Squeaking leather signaled
That the horsemen were mounting
For another day of monotonous,
Plodding steps upon the sod
As ever forward moved
This mobile feast toward the rails
Which would carry them eastward
To their demise
And resurection
As sustenance for the growing,
Thriving,
Westward advancing
Civilization.
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