Rhymes of a Roughneck By: Pat O'Cotter
Rhymes of a Roughneck by Pat O'Cotter is a poignant collection of poetry that delves deep into the raw emotions and experiences of a roughneck's life. This book presents a refreshing and authentic perspective on the struggles, triumphs, and inner conflicts that many individuals in the roughneck industry face. O'Cotter's writing style is simple yet powerful, creating vivid imagery that transports readers into the chaotic world of oil rigs. Each poem takes us on a journey, unraveling the complexities of life on the edge, oscillating between adversity and determination. The author masterfully captures the essence of the roughneck's mindset, showcasing their resilience, camaraderie, and unwavering spirit. What sets this collection apart is O'Cotter's ability to seamlessly merge the roughness of oil rig work with the tenderness of human connections. Through his verses, we witness the intensity of long, grueling hours on the rig, the relentless battle against nature's forces, and the constant threat of danger. But amidst this harsh reality, the author also highlights the deep camaraderie among roughnecks, their shared laughter, and the unbreakable bonds formed in the face of adversity. The poems encapsulate the daily struggles and sacrifices that these workers endure, underscoring the toll it takes on their mental and physical well-being. O'Cotter fearlessly confronts tough subjects such as loneliness, addiction, and loss, bringing a raw honesty that evokes empathy from the readers. It is through these themes that the roughneck's story transcends the confines of their occupation, resonating with anyone who has faced hardships, fought battles, and sought solace in poetry. Rhymes of a Roughneck is a captivating read that exposes the underbelly of a profession often overlooked and misunderstood. Pat O'Cotter's evocative words not only shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by roughnecks but also emphasize their indomitable spirit and profound humanity. This collection captures the heart and soul of these unsung heroes, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the book is closed. First Page: RHYMES OF A ROUGHNECK BY PAT O'COTTER 1918 DEDICATED TO ALASKA The home of the tin can and dog, A waste of snow, ice, and moss. The graveyard of ambitions, The by word for hell, The home of the famed double cross. Men come here for gold, Ambitious for wealth They stick for they can't get away, They dig, drink, and die, And then go to hell, To pay for their last sucker play ALASKA CONTENTS THE BIRTH OF THE LAND A WOMAN, A DOG, AND A WALNUT TREE WHEN THE WATER STARTS TO RUN THE THROWBACK THE MALAMUTE UNSATISFIED THE PROSPECTOR IF US FOR SAM HOW LONG THAT 30 U.S. ON THE WALL FLOTSAM TRYING THE NEW MASTER PROSPECTING THE WOMAN THAT YOU PASS BY WHY AND STILL I LIKE ALASKA THE BIRTH OF THE LAND For a thousand years the Devil crouched On the white hot flags of hell: For a thousand years the Devil cursed The imps that had chained him well; For a thousand years the Devil sulked And planned with his hell trained brain Of the things he'd do, when his term was thru, And freed from the blistering chain. He'd even the score with the men of earth, And give them back pain for pain, For all of the days he had felt the blaze And the sear of the galling chain. And it came to pass when his time was up And hell's gates were opened wide That all hell rang, and the clinkered imps sang When the Devil passed Outside... Continue reading book >>

Rhymes of a Roughneck By: Pat O'Cotter

Rhymes of a Roughneck by Pat O'Cotter is a poignant collection of poetry that delves deep into the raw emotions and experiences of a roughneck's life. This book presents a refreshing and authentic perspective on the struggles, triumphs, and inner conflicts that many individuals in the roughneck industry face.

O'Cotter's writing style is simple yet powerful, creating vivid imagery that transports readers into the chaotic world of oil rigs. Each poem takes us on a journey, unraveling the complexities of life on the edge, oscillating between adversity and determination. The author masterfully captures the essence of the roughneck's mindset, showcasing their resilience, camaraderie, and unwavering spirit.

What sets this collection apart is O'Cotter's ability to seamlessly merge the roughness of oil rig work with the tenderness of human connections. Through his verses, we witness the intensity of long, grueling hours on the rig, the relentless battle against nature's forces, and the constant threat of danger. But amidst this harsh reality, the author also highlights the deep camaraderie among roughnecks, their shared laughter, and the unbreakable bonds formed in the face of adversity.

The poems encapsulate the daily struggles and sacrifices that these workers endure, underscoring the toll it takes on their mental and physical well-being. O'Cotter fearlessly confronts tough subjects such as loneliness, addiction, and loss, bringing a raw honesty that evokes empathy from the readers. It is through these themes that the roughneck's story transcends the confines of their occupation, resonating with anyone who has faced hardships, fought battles, and sought solace in poetry.

Rhymes of a Roughneck is a captivating read that exposes the underbelly of a profession often overlooked and misunderstood. Pat O'Cotter's evocative words not only shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by roughnecks but also emphasize their indomitable spirit and profound humanity. This collection captures the heart and soul of these unsung heroes, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the book is closed.

First Page:

RHYMES OF A ROUGHNECK

PAT O'COTTER

1918

DEDICATED TO ALASKA

The home of the tin can and dog, A waste of snow, ice, and moss. The graveyard of ambitions, The by word for hell, The home of the famed double cross. Men come here for gold, Ambitious for wealth They stick for they can't get away, They dig, drink, and die, And then go to hell, To pay for their last sucker play

ALASKA

CONTENTS

THE BIRTH OF THE LAND

A WOMAN, A DOG, AND A WALNUT TREE

WHEN THE WATER STARTS TO RUN

THE THROWBACK

THE MALAMUTE

UNSATISFIED

THE PROSPECTOR

US FOR SAM

HOW LONG

THAT 30 U.S. ON THE WALL

FLOTSAM

TRYING

THE NEW MASTER

PROSPECTING

THE WOMAN THAT YOU PASS BY

WHY

AND STILL I LIKE ALASKA

THE BIRTH OF THE LAND

For a thousand years the Devil crouched On the white hot flags of hell: For a thousand years the Devil cursed The imps that had chained him well; For a thousand years the Devil sulked And planned with his hell trained brain Of the things he'd do, when his term was thru, And freed from the blistering chain.

He'd even the score with the men of earth, And give them back pain for pain, For all of the days he had felt the blaze And the sear of the galling chain. And it came to pass when his time was up And hell's gates were opened wide That all hell rang, and the clinkered imps sang When the Devil passed Outside... Continue reading book >>

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