Texas Drifter: Two Tales For Same Dog
Marshall’s Law Dateline – Texas Drifter feeling all writ out from reporting truth in my writing exercises; has decided to take break with following non-fiction short story: Two Tales for Same Dog.
1) First Tale for Same Dog “Gone With the Wind Moment”
Perhaps sometimes no apology, no reconciliation, and no retaliation are warranted? As for forgiveness, sometimes that may be best left to others in other times in other places?
As for those who whine, what about “forgiveness”? Texas Drifter’s writing exercises are about security and finding truth; not “salvation”. Reader can find infinitely better sources about saving their souls.
Seems the “Gone With the Wind” moment is about not giving “a damn” one way or the other? Clue not caring one way or the other, includes not caring whether offender lives or dies; or spends eternity in either Heaven or Hades.
The “Gone With the Wind” moment is not about seeking violent revenge; rather as in movie by same name; conduct should be turning ones back, walking away, ignoring, and forgetting. Translation, this conduct is about one exercising one’s inalienable right of non-association. Question, guess “Gone With the Wind” moment can last for eternity?
Clue: Being mean spirited is not a crime – example. Private hired guns see too many cruel mean spirited events in their careers.
Years ago, Texas Drifter took decent paying ranch security opportunity keeping thieves and poachers from having free reign on moderately sized Texas ranch.
One of cowboys on ranch resided with his wife and barely six year son. One afternoon, one of other ranch hands found sickly waiting to die puppy lying along of side county road. He told cowboy’s boy this drifting puppy needs a home; you can have it, if you take responsibility of carrying for it.
Boy devoted all his after chores time to carrying for and nursing the pup back to good health. Before long, Boy and Drifter as he called his puppy which had returned to good health were inseparable. Ranch residents called the puppy Boy’s shadow.
Unbeknownst to Boy, one of ranchers drinking, gambling and slumming groupies said he wished he had another puppy as “cute” As Drifter for his favorite prostitute’s daughter.
Rancher quipped without asking Boy or even telling Boy of his groupie’s offer: Take the dog, boy like that don’t need or deserve dog like that. Rancher’s groupie without even saying “thanks” picked up Drifter and took the puppy as he was leaving ranch.
Later Boy asked me how much I would charge him; to try and help him find Drifter his very first and only friend.
Told Boy I would help him at no charge as I owed Drifter a favor. After about two plus hour search, I told Boy that since he had mended Drifter; perhaps his friend had probably gone to be back with his first family. Also told Boy that Drifter would always be grateful for their friendship that made it possible for Drifter to rejoin his first family; total sadness as boy had just experience the death of Boy’s very first friend.
Texas Drifter later asked the rancher if he had seen Boy’s puppy.
Rancher said: I gave it to my slumming partner; boy like that don’t need a nice dog.
Told Rancher it was not his dog to give away.
Rancher’s response: I own everything on this ranch and can treat everything I own like I want.
Informed rancher that I would pick up money due me and leave.
Rancher almost shouted: You still owe me two weeks work.
After stepping back few paces, in clear stern voice told rancher, I do not work for any mean spirited SOB; plus I would be paid in full.
Rancher screamed: “Being mean spirited SOB is not a crime” as he started to reach for pick ax.
After drawing my back up .357 and holding so rancher knew what I had; my simple response was “please touch it”.
Rancher screamed, “Get your money and get off my ranch.”
My final promise to rancher “If I ever hear you are mean to Boy or his family; you don’t own me, so I can treat you like I want. Understand?” Rancher hatefully nodded yes.
Did not tell Boy what really happened to his puppy; did not want him to grow up to be a hater.
Used to regret that mean spirited SOB had not touched that pick ax handle. Later heard that mean spirited SOB rancher was paralyzed from neck down when thrown from one of his horses rancher regularly abused.
Also heard injuries left rancher unable to speak, and that his often abused family put rancher in cheapest nursing home they could find in Texas; and never went back for one single visit.
As for Boy, hear he is about to complete all requirement to become small animals veterinarian.
Guess predestination is more than atheist myth; for those who believe in “Gone With the Wind” moments.
Bonus thought, only thing fascist leaders and members of lynch mobs dislike more than being ignored; is being reminded of why they are being ignored?
Bonus Breaking News Question: Perhaps United Sates Supreme Court Justices should wear black hoods atop their black robes when ruling in favor of Obama’s Marxist-fascist Environmental Protection Agency’s legislation based on scientific fraud to facilitate genocide against freedom loving Americans? TRUE or FALSE - Sorry forgot this s non-fiction short story; not a truth reporting writing exercise.
2) Second Tale for Same Dog “Last Letter”
Ranch Owner: Drifter, postmaster gave me a letter he said might be for one of my workers. Envelope is addressed to Richard Blake (hands letter to Texas Drifter).
Drifter: (takes letter and quips) Thanks.
Rancher Owner: Did not know your name was Richard Blake.
Drifter: Did not say it was. (Dog growls at Ranch Owner as Drifter turns to walk away.)
Ranch Owner: Never did like that dog; Drifter, know why I keep you around?
Drifter (stops and turns half way around): Then things are even, Dog never liked you either. Why you keep me around, good work for ten dollars a day; plus food, shelter, and expenses.
Ranch Owner: That too, mostly cause trespassing, vandalism to, stealing from, and poaching on this ranch has completely stopped since you signed on as security scout.
Texas Drifter: If I told you how I do my job, you would cut my meager wages, or run me and Dog off. I half way like working here; so do not change that by bringing me any more mail.
Ranch Owner: Go read your mail; that is last letter I will ever bring you.
Texas Drifter: Sounds fair enough, here is a list of some supplies Dog and I need.
Sundown next day: Drifter sets pot of coffee and metal bowl full of beer on small camp fire, and opens letter.
Dearest Friend,
Just a few words to dispel your anxieties about Obama’s FEMA man made natural disaster camps; there are probably forty thousand to fifty thousand citizens here. Camp is fenced in to protect us from outsiders wanting in to escape worsening conditions in this part of America. We are truly lucky ones despite less than perfect conditions. We at least have security, and solace knowing our federal government is doing everything it can to provide for us.
Sanitary conditions are an open ditch. Food is served once a day and consists of liquid powdered milk over uncooked rice. Medical care is limited to barbiturates. Healthy camp residents are engaged in constructing red brick buildings to be used as showers. Rumors abound that our Emperor, will visit to dedicate new showers we are all looking forward to enjoying.
I bribed one of guards with my wedding rings to mail you this letter to let you know even though times may be hard, government is doing everything it can to help us rebuild ours’ and America’s future.
(Texas Drifter crumbles letter and envelope and gently drops into camp fire.)
Texas Drifter whispers: You know Dog, tears still never change anything.
(Picks up coffee pot and asks Dog): Want some coffee in your beer?
Dog (smiles by bearing teeth with soft growl):
Drifter: Just asking, I finish my coffee; you finish your beer; be time to go earn our meager wages.
Here’s hoping that reader will enjoy their life; as it is only one they have.
