major miller, a neighbor out at my grandparents’ ranch in aladdin, wyoming died last week of lung cancer (though i don’t know he ever smoked) … his memorial service is today and i wrote the following for it …
his lifetime bridged the worlds
between the old west and the new
and he made a smooth transition
which not everyone can do
from cattle drives
to internet
stock rings
to big trade shows
where he’d connect with hunters
craving guidance from the pros
they jumped to try their hobby
on a ranch with wild game
and a host who knew his land
as well as his own name
major
like his moniker
substantial as the hills
where he ranged routinely
and no doubt took some spills
and major
like in music
no minor chords of trouble
clouding up his grin
though as a rancher in wyoming
he couldn’t always win
but disappointments didn’t show
in his glad-to-see-you smile
eyes twinkling with amusement
when you stopped by for a while
he knew me all my life
shared the triumphs and the strife
thanksgivings with his folks
where the eating didn’t cease
christmas at my grandparents
down the road a piece
as we travelled through the years
we shared successes and the tears
of parents passing
and inheritance usurped
with anecdotes amassing
to be jawed when we would meet
which wasn’t all that often
yet always was a treat
roots like those we shared
run deep as rains can seep
and so does life-long history
such memories to keep
this landscape will be barer
now that major’s gone to rest
but we can all be grateful
we knew the best of the old west
