The drive began in Donna,
at the tail end of Texas.
We mounted up and began
step one of 952 miles.

Coastal plains, the endless grass,
into scrubby mesquite trees and rolling hills.
Canyons, climbing and descending
rocks rolling under horse and cattle.

Saddle sore and travel weary
riding the endless days.
The nights, stars, moon, planets,
taking turns, watching over the herd in the darkness.

Cougars, and coyotes,
rustlers and the weather all up to no good.
Then we come up to the
streams, creeks and the mighty rivers.

Nasal breathing from the herd,
the splashes of tails and hooves.
Yaw, and get along,
the slap of a rope on a leg.
Cattle and river's smell, fills the nose.

Chili beans, and cornbread
Hard tack to snack
My hat shields my head
from the rain, and the blazing sun.

50 men and 3000 head,
march triumphantly into Abilene Kansas.
Where the cattle are immediately loaded
into railroad cars after walking 952 miles.