Nicknames

It seemed like everyone had a nickname in Red Cloud. I couldn't think of a better thing to write a poem about.


Nicknames galore in my hometown
from old men down to young tykes
there was Tater Istas and Peachy Pear
Boodle, Brick Stokes, Cricket Reicks.

Big Ed Wiggins old Red Spencer
and Stub Gleason could produce a grin
The Copley brothers Scoop and Speck
and the McCormicks Fats and Skin.

Spider and Puck, Hippie and Hoss
The Feltons Fats, Fattles, and Ace
The Pierces Gooch, Pizzer, Bag, and Sac
Hambones, Horse Dick, and Horse Face.

Coon Pickle had a name unique and obscure
Chongo, Marrow, and Thorley
Big Small, Bubba, Drunt, and Peads
some gained by fun others a little more sorely.

Some guys in town I've known my whole life
and never used their parent-given name
So Chico, Gome, Snicker, and Huck
to me you're always the same.