Jim's Whip

Yes! there it hangs upon the wall And never gives a sound: The hand that trimmed its greenhide fall Is hidden underground — There, in that patch of sallee shade, Beneath that grassy mound.

I never take it from the wall: That whip belonged to him — The man I singled from them all: He was my husband, Jim. I see him now — so straight and tall, So long and lithe of limb.

That whip was with him night and day When he was on the track: I've often heard him laugh and say That when they heard it crack, After the breaking of the drought, The cattle all came back.

And all the time that Jim was here, A-working on the run, I'd hear that whip ring sharp and clear Just about set of sun, To let me know that he was near And that his work was done.

I was away that afternoon, Penning the calves, when — bang! I heard his whip: 'twas rather soon: A thousand echoes rang And died away among the hills, As toward the hut I sprang.

I made the tea and waited, but, Seized by a sudden whim, I went and sat outside the hut And watched the light grow dim: I waited there till after dark, But not a sign of Jim.

The evening air was damp with dew: Just as the clock struck ten His horse came riderless — I knew What was the matter then... Why should the Lord have singled out My Jim from other men?

I took the horse and found him where He lay beneath the sky, With blood all clotted in his hair. I felt too dazed to cry: I held him to me as I prayed To God that I might die.

But sometimes now I seem to hear — Just when the air grows chill — A single whip-crack, sharp and clear, Re-echo from the hill. That's Jim! to let me know he's near And thinking of me still.