All Episodes

December 31, 2020 1 min

This poem is the true story of a very simple encounter I had one day while riding horseback. It made me think about our pioneer ancestors and the things that we find that might have reminded us about what has gone on before. The poem is entitled, "Finding A Fence Post."

 

I was riding through the hills one breezy, late fall day

Counting cattle and enjoying the ride along the way

I was in the middle of a pasture, quite large, I just might boast

When I came across a single, solitary old hedge fence post

It was clearly not a tree but a post that had been placed

Yet, there was no other sign of human presence in the space

I reined my horse up to a stop, as I paused to look around

And pondered the meaning of this solitary post that I had found

“How did this come to get here?” I sat my horse amused

Had it been a snubbing post that some old cowpuncher used?

Was it the last remaining vestige of some old long mend in fence?

If so, there was no wire or any sign or evidence

Had it been part of a homestead at some old settler's place?

If so, what had happened that it disappeared without a trace?

Had it been placed as a marker by some exploring pioneer

Or a large pole for an Indian who might have camped right here?

“An old fence seemed the most likely case,” I settled on

But why was this post still standing when everything else was gone?

The distant sun was setting, so I must get on with my task

And I'll never know the answers to the questions that I ask

Reluctantly, I rein my horse and gig him to a walk

And ride away thinking, “If only that old post could talk.” Happy trails.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Cardiac Cowboys

Cardiac Cowboys

The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.