COWBOY POETRY: Respect

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.

My father taught me, “Show respect especially while you’re young. ‘Cuz no one likes a little boy who has a nasty tongue.”

Those words were planted in my brain and always on my mind. But planted way so far in back, at times, they’re hard to find.

I’d say I’m still respectful, but there’s one thing I have learned. It doesn’t matter who you are, respect is always earned.

I’ve worked among the best of men, from CEOs to clerks. Most were all respectable. Only some of them were jerks.

I tried to show each man respect. That usually is my plan. But I’ll always be respectful to a kind and humble man.

A few years back, while passing out the checks to all the crew. One fellow said, “Thanks for the check and thanks for all you do.”

I had respect for that old man right from the very start. I guess you’d say his humble way had deeply touched my heart.

Today I see too many men demanding some respect. Yet some of them will never give. They’d rather just collect.

I’m not inclined to give advice. I don’t have that degree. But if you are respectful then you’ve earned respect from me.

My father’s generation showed respect to everyone. And they didn’t need attention from the good deeds they had done.

So Dad it’s been near sixty years since teaching me respect. But I learned from your example. ‘Twas the best that I could get.

So have a Happy Birthday. You’re still young at ninety-three. Your example of respect is still the best that I can see.

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