Did they know?

Did they know when they won the West, the trials that would be?

When they staked their claim across the plain, into this endless sea.

That life would bring a hardship toil, just in finding water.

Did they know the weeds would roll, attached with all their fodder?

Did they know when they won the West, the fierceness of her fury?

A blizzards wrath, the thunder scorn, the strong became the weary.

That a fire seized in just one second, all that could be given.

Did they know it took a hearty man, to carve out a ranchers livin’?

Did they know when they won the West, the pride on eagle’s wings?

That April showers bring May flowers and forced that sea to green?

Majestic waves of Mule deer herds and the coyotes leap of glory.

Did they know the cattle’s lull, would long become their story?

Did they know when they won the West where they’d settle from the start?

The calmness of a summers’ eve helped ‘em reach and touch the stars.

The evening orange behind Pikes Peak, the new as storms passed by.

Did they know that God would speak, in the solace of a songbirds cry?

Did they know when they won the West, built their ranch upon a mission?

That one man’s dream was so much more, it became a family vision.

He who labored bloodied hands, the years brought forth through pain.

Did they know the days of past, would not be spent in vain?

Did they know when they won the West,

The ranchlands made the man?

And the man that tamed the ranchlands in,

Was the West that won the man…..

Copyright © Shad Sullivan