Poems from Canadian Echoes of the Trail fan Steven Xavier and his Sons:

My Brand on Their Hip
by Steven Xavier

I was talking to an old cowboy
just a few days ago
'bout how ranching has changed
in the last decade or so.

Cowboys used to saddle up a horse
to bring their cattle in;
but lately they're using ATVs
to drive 'em to the pen.

And branding's almost a thing of the past --
now they just tag an ear;
but I can't go for these modern ways --
I like my brand on their rear.

Tag an ear? I don't understand --
I don't even know what they mean;
but those colors of yellow, blue, and red,
from a distance can be seen.

Some folks just tag an ear --
put their brand on it with a marking pen!
Some use 'em for bloodlines
to know which cows and calves are kin.

Yeah, I tag 'em, just so I know
which ones have had their meds --
they leave that chute a-buckin' and bawlin',
and run around shakin' their heads.

So, I guess ear tags can be coded
to stand for all kinds of things,
but I've often wondered how a cow feels
knowing she has to wear earrings!

I guess, in some ways, I've changed too,
whether for good or bad, who's to say?
But I still like to saddle up before dawn
and ride out to greet the new day.

I like to ride out toward the sunrise --
jogging along at a good clip.
I like seeing the calves running and playing;
and I like seeing my brand on their hip!

So, I don't know if it's God's way --
or just my own personal whim;
but I like to know which calves are mine
when I gaze across the field at them.

I don't put much store in those ear tags;
never did put a tattoo on the lip --
but I can spot my calves in another's herd
if they've got my brand on their hip!

I'd Like to be a Cowboy
by Cody Xavier -- age 8

I'd like to be a cowboy
And ride the range all my days --
Riding, roping, and branding cows
And rounding up the strays.

I'd like to join a cattle drive,
Out where a cowboy is free --
Ride around and sing cowboy songs,
Just my Pinto pony and me.

I'd like to sit around a campfire
And hear cowboys tell their tales
Of a time when no fences barred
Miles and miles of open trails.

Echoes Along the Trail
by Brandon Kabach-Xavier

An old owl hoots; the doggies bawl.
From somewhere you hear a coyote wail.
To a cowboy there's a lullaby
In evening echoes along the trail.

The moon comes up and crickets churr.
A western wind blows across the dale.
A cowboy strums his old guitar,
Adding to echoes along the trail.

Now and then a whipoorwill calls.
Then the prairie wind blows up a gale.
Lightening flashes, thunder rumbles --
A song of echoes along the trail.

The wind picks up and rain comes down;
The cattle get restless, without fail.
Cowboys sing as they calm the herd
With their echoes along the trail.

Storm is over, now all's quiet,
Once again the moon shines pale.
A summer breeze plays tag with leaves;
Singing their echoes along the trail.