Texas is filled with salt of the earth people

I’ve heard it said that America is filled with people that are “the salt of the earth,” and I know that Texas is. As a youngster, I did not pay much attention to that, but I found that phrase intriguing as I matured. Just what did it mean? 

Yes, I know that salt is a seasoning that is very important to us all, so someone that is considered to be “the salt of the earth” must play a very important part in life’s scheme. The man I write about in this poem was definitely one that would be considered “the salt of the earth.” He’d spend his day sitting in front of the little country store that was the gathering place for our community; there he could pick on the kids, calling us boys “little girls!” 

We came back with “you old Grandma!” All of us youngsters believed him to be older than dirt! But we sat enthralled as he would grin that toothless grin and pull a nickel from behind our ear as he launched into another of his tales. 

He would say things like, “Folks will talk about you, so give them good material!” and ‘Be a shining light, you never know who may be looking to you for glimmer of joy.” And he also said, “If you put good and kindness into the world, it will return good and kindness.” 

We were entertained by his stories and his teaching went into our young minds to emerge years later at a time that we needed to hear his advice. Life was different back then, in today’s world, he would be looked upon with suspicion and probably forced out of society. 

We were blessed to have him and looked forward to our trips to the little store. If you have had someone like this Ol’ Gent in your past, then you should consider your self blessed. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

The Sage

 Papa said he’d been there since Methuselah was a pup,

This old timer was just a classic Texas cowboy, 

An’ he most always liked jawin’ and havin’ a cup,

I ‘spect that was considered  cowboy country joy.

Well, he’d rock back an’ get a far away look in his eye,

Take a deep breathe an’ launch hisself into a story,

You never knew whether he’d make you laugh or cry,

But you could bet he’d be resplendent in all his glory!

He might talk of wild cattle or horses he’d known,

Or pals that he rode with as life come along,

On wild eyed mounts of Grays an’ Duns, of Sorrel, an’ Roan,

Through rugged canyons with winds howling an eerie night song.

‘Bout Indian camps clustered near rivers crost hill an’ dale,

Painted warriors dancin’ around fires wild an’ free,

While wagon trains ponderously came up the trail,

With endless weary settlers, their future to see.

Or the night his Mama passed away and he cried,

An’ times when a pards prank might land him in jail,

Halloween night when the sheriff took a wild ride,

While they sat by their campfire listening to him yell.

Just watchin’ a sunrise, or smell rain on the wind,

Seein’ a rainbow or feel the early mornin’ dew,

Or smell the coffee that’s just around the bend,

That Ol’ Cookie has boilin’ an’ waitin’ for you.

Or that good horse that saved his bacon that time,

Of rough, rocky trails he rode in search of a pard,

Of all the ladies he’d loved there back in his prime,

These memories he had an’ none that he’d discard.

Scattered amongst these stories, he talked about life,

How you handled your manners an’ more good advice,

‘Bout bein’ true to your word an’ dealin’ with strife,

Believein’ in yourself, set your goals an’ pay the price.

 Your word is your bond, an’ will have great impact,

Always pursue the truth, don’t believe all that is said,

Sometimes a feller will suppose, or guess, an’ miss the fact

Ask many questions to learn the truth instead.

Arguing ain’t likely to change a feller’s mind, 

But you must stand firm on what you believe true,

Because you know the truth an’ how you’re inclined,

Just go on your way an’ do what you gotta do!

In what ever task that you set for yourself, do it, 

It won’t come easy, the result you must earn

Don’t be one that gets discouraged an’ up an’ quit,

In the end you will win or a lesson you’ll learn,

Said a man should always feel good about tasks he’d done,

‘Cuz folks knew you’d stood up to do the right thing,

Help your fellowman in whatever race he might run,

An’ to all of God’s promises, a feller should cling.

Well sir, I considered it a blessing to listen to him,

For as we trail through life, we all need a guiding hand,

And God will send folks to fill your cup to the brim,

To give you opportunity to ride for the brand.

That ol’ gent passed away several years ago,

But I’ll always treasure the wisdom of his word,

You see, life is not fair, as most of you know,

And we need sound advice to stay ahead of the herd.

So, as you trail through life, you should give this some thought,

Keep the memories alive in all that you do,

Be thankful for the many wonders that God has wrought,

Knowin’ it’s God’s creation that He has sent just for you.

©  Ol’ Jim Cathey

God Bless those that are “The salt of the earth!” and God Bless America!

God Bless each of you and God Bless America!