BITTEN

It's that time of year, and it comes with the territory if you live in the country: Chiggers. I've got 'em....and it won't be for the last time this summer either, I'm sure. I've still not figured out why God felt they were an important part of His world. Maybe he was holding on to them to use as plague material? So, with permission from an incredible cowboy poet by the name of Jerry Schleicher, I bring you.......

The Chigger Blues

I ain't a'feered of snakes ner spiders, and ticks don't make me twitch.

I kin roll around nekked in a poison ivy patch and never even itch.

I ain't skeered much of lions or tigers, or other carnivores much bigger.

The only creature that gives me the chills ..... is the cold hearted chigger.

They ain't no bigger than a dot. Most folks have never seen one.

You don't even know they bit ya', till they've already et' and gone.

And drilled your skin with a bitin' end that's part needle and part digger.

Pound fer pound, the baddest bug around..... has got to be the chigger.

They crawl inside your pants and socks, and creep into your underdrawers.

And commence to have a feast, while yer doin' yer gardenin' chores.

It seems their spit dissolves yer hide, which they then consume with vigor.

Fer an arachnid version of the vampire...... I nominate the chigger.

I still got scars up 'n down my carcass that I reckon I'll bear for years.

From clawin' at the welts they've left, from my toes up past my rear.

The itch they leave behind lasts much longer than you'd figger.

If you want to drive a man insane...... jist feed him to a chigger.

I've tried that nail polish myth, and doused myself with lotion.

But nuthin' seem to keep 'em off. There ain't no magic potion.

And steppin' out into my own back yard only seems to trigger

A fresh attack by my worst nightmare..... the man - eatin' chigger.

Most folks love the summer season, and fer most it's all good news.

Of flower gardens, fresh mowed lawns, and backyard bar-be-cues.

But if you invite me to yer outdoor games, I'll respectfully refuse.

Cause you don't want to hear me wailin', as I sing The Chigger Blues.

Here at Ararat Acres, We're Singin' the Chigger Blues too....... Heavy Sigh.