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Vicente el Bisonte (Vincent the Bison) 

Vicente el Bisonte used to live in Mexico
He said, “I do not like it here, it’s time for me to go.
For lunch they give me Bison Chow, Purina mixed with hay,
I’m penned up in the nighttime and I’m watched throughout the day.
Although the rancher thinks he meets my every little need
I do not like confinement and I do not like the feed.”

The ranch hands were behind one evening, brought the herd in late
And in their haste forgot to latch the bison-stable gate.
Vicente el Bisonte, without “bye” or “adiós”
Sneaked out and crossed the border to Estados Unidos.
The CBP was understaffed, they hadn’t enough men
To see and stop our big, bovine illegal alien.

Rogue bison do well on their own and naturally like roaming.
Vicente made his way from Arizona to Wyoming.
He crashed a docile herd, took opportunity to breed,
He grazed their land, then bellowed, ran, and started a stampede.
Amused, he looked back on the herd and gave a muffled grunt
In smug self-satisfaction, saying “That was quite a stunt.”

The owners were beside themselves! They’d shoot the rascal bull,
Except they had no permit ‘cause they didn’t have the pull.
Department of Interior finally tracked him with a drone
And shipped Vicente el Bisonte off to Yellowstone.
The owners were relieved, applauding, cheering “There he goes!”
Awaiting end of story, Folks? It’s just what you’d suppose.

Vicente’s trek built up so much his muscle and his might,
That other males who saw him acquiesced without a fight.
The lady bison greeted him with lowered head and sighs
And signaled their enthusiasm with batting of the eyes.

Now when you’re on vacation in the National Park so grand,
Look out the tour-bus window, see our hero in command.
And hear his happy progeny, of which there are aplenty,
Say, “When we’re grown, we want to be just like our dad Vicente.”

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CBP: Customs and Border Patrol

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Mary Gardner is a poet living in Florida.

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13 Responses

  2. Roy E. Peterson

    Wonderful rhyme and rhythm with an excellent concept for telling a story and stirring social consciences with hidden thoughts like the government taking care of an illegal.

    Reply
  3. benny the bee

    oh lord oh lord oh lord
    have mercy on our souls
    for we are worn and weary
    and still without a home

    Reply
  6. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    I adore animals and I’m a sucker for a happy ending… Mary, you have made my day. I also adore poetry, and your admirably crafted, vibrant and upbeat piece has brought the story alive with poetic aplomb. Wonderful stuff!

    Reply
  7. Jeff Eardley

    Great to read Mary. This bounces along to its wonderful conclusion. Having witnessed the magnificent bison of Yellowstone, we are glad that at least one has been immortalised. A most uplifting read on a wet day in England.

    Reply

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