Wow. Wow. Wow.
Have you ever read a story that was so brilliantly written, revealing, insightful and compelling that you couldn’t wait to share it with someone?
One of my favorite aspects of having a large social media platform is the ability to share great writing, thinking and stories with all of you.
There are many people who say that “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold” is the greatest profile ever written. Perhaps. It is certainly brilliant.
This weekend, Sally Jenkins, The Washington Post sports columnist, who is among the best that has ever been, wrote a profile about an American original named J.B. Mauney. He is the greatest and most courageous bull rider — ever.
This is a brilliant piece of writing. A tour de force. It is an example of transcendent journalism that is able to inspire and enlighten by painting a portrait of words into a movie of the imagination. What an incredible piece of writing about America and Americans.
I hope you will read and share.
Jenkins’ beautifully written piece on J.B. Mauney painted a compelling portrait of a bull rider's life. It reminded me of a more personal story about a bronc rider my dad wrote about and met in person. Following is a poem, written by my late father, Joe Beardsley. It is about Benny Reynolds, one of the most famous Bronc riders who ever lived. While putting his book of poetry together, looking for photos that complimented his poems, my father made a visit to the retired Benny Reynolds, who lived in a small cabin on a ranch outside of Dillon, Montana. The rugged and weathered Benny Reynolds kindly invited my dad inside his warm and dusty house to sit and reminisce. My dad read his 'Silver Buckles' poem, which can also can be beautifully sung, to Benny, who listened intently. When my dad asked Benny if he had a photo that could be used in the book of poetry, the legendary Reynolds reached over to his window and picked up an old water-stained photo of himself, in his heyday, riding a wild bronc, and handed it to my father. This gesture was deeply moving to my dad. That photo is in my dad's book of poetry -Benny riding high in the saddle of a wild bronc. My dad treasured that memory and Benny's photo for the rest of his life.
(The 'portrait of words' Steve posted today reminded me of the harsh life of a bull or bronc rider. )
About Benny Reynolds: (He retired at the age of 57 due to a broken neck.)
https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/collections/awards/rodeo-hall-of-fame/inductees/5053/
Silver Buckles- by Joe Beardsley
I rose up with the mornin' sun,
Knowin' it had just begun
Warmin' the fields of meadow hay;
I felt the feelin' risin',
And it wasn't too surprisin'
My mind was goin' back to a better day.
I drove the tractor till midmornin'
When it quit without a warnin',
So I walked away and left it in the field;
The bunkhouse yard is shady,
And as fragrant as a lady
With a sweet perfume and feminine appeal.
I can see beyond the mornin'
Where mountain clouds are formin'
Big thunderheads that billow in the blue;
Within those ivory castles
My mind don't have the hassles
Of the daily chores I just don't want to do.
My mind goes back a'dreamin'
Till I see the banners streamin'
And I touch those big arenas one more time,
Where I rode in all the biggest shows,
The silver-studded rodeos,
Tryin' to make those silver buckles mine.
Silver buckles, silver buckles
Are the mark of a champion;
Silver buckles,
How bright those silver buckles
That I finally won.
Steve, I agree: Ms. Jenkins’ piece on J.B. Mauney is a tour de force. It’s beautifully written, superbly edited, and incredibly interesting. And the accompanying visuals are right on target. About half way through the article I texted my daughter, who barrel races and has attended the Nationals in Las Vegas for several years, “Do you know who J.B. Mauney is?” Her response was, “Of course Dad, he’s a legend.” After reading Ms. Jenkins piece, she said that she learned a lot about the “legend” she thought she already knew. This is Pulitzer Prize material. Maybe for “feature article.”