Calvin’ Time
by Joe R. Kreger
I have an easy, peaceful feelin’
as I begin to write this rhyme
about my favorite season —
when it’s calvin’ time.
We have two seasons on our ranch;
we calve both spring and fall.
But, some folks don’t care what months they calve.
They just calve throughout them all.
For a lot of ranchers that I know,
calvin’ time is somethin’ to endure.
To them it’s just another cow fact —
like heelflies and manure.
To some folks the season brings memories
of ridin’ horseback and drivin’ rain
and workin’ out in mud, knee-deep,
pullin’ on an O.B. chain.
I must admit to havin’ had
my share of all that,
but I wouldn’t miss out on calvin’
for a brand new ten X hat.
I just enjoy saddlin’ up
and headin’ down to the calvin’ trap.
It’s a trip I make most frequent,
and I sure don’t need a map.
The sight I see is moo’in’ matrons
with udders tight and bellies round.
I know the time is gettin’ short
‘til the young’uns hit the ground.
I like to see a baby make his entry
and struggle to his feet,
as he sways and weaves like a little drunk,
and nuzzles for somethin’ to eat.
When his huntin’ search is over,
and he finds his mama’s bag,
you can tell when milk hits the stomach,
‘cause his tail begins to wag.
That’s the sight you’re lookin’ to see,
and it’s good for a cowman’s heart,
for he knows that another young’un
is off to a solid start.
Sometimes, I just like to stop
and lean back on ol’ Buck’s rump,
watchin’ all those baby calves,
as they buck and butt and jump.
When the image of healthy baby calves
starts fillin’ up my eyes,
I start makin’ plans for the future,
and I begin to fantasize.
“That wide toppped husky bull calf
is dang sure lookin’ stout.
He’s liable to make that herd bull
that’ll some day bail us out.”
“And the big ole’ boy on number 93 —
man, look at the meat and bone.
In our breedin’ program, someday,
he could be a cornerstone.”