Jerry's Poem: 'Cousin'

Who’s that man come in from the range?
Listen to his words—they’re pure babble,
Even his accent sounds rather strange.
Easily suspect he’s of the cross-track rabble.

Perhaps he’s of a sheep-herder clan,
That would explain the rough tan skin.
Yet the set of the shoulder, his lengthy stride
Mark him as a row-crop farmer’s kin.

Maybe a look in the family tree is needed,
Careful check of the records might be wise.
Surely all sources should be heeded,
In search of some family ties.

He’s no close relative I would guess,
Can’t find him in my family data file.
Yet incomplete is my record on Aunt Bess
Who’s been missing for quite a while.

Off to Texas with that bum she went,
Thinking he had a big rich spread,
Finding when her saving were spent
Only a big talking fool she had wed.

Family rumors flying around town
Say there was a son born to Bess,.
Who, though it's not written down
Could be my cousin, I confess.

Long lost facts now verified,
Our suspicious ideas run aground,
Reveal our doubts, our efforts tried.
Brings us a cousin. Cheers all around!

Shame upon us all on this day
For our mean, ingrown, silly pride.
Refusing recognition, come what may
Of a dear cousin now close at our side.

Jerry Clements 5/21/07