Animal lovers, don’t be upset, I mean no harm.
Google defines a muleskinner as a professional
mule driver whose sole purpose is to keep the
mules moving. The term 'skinner' is slang for
someone who might 'skin' or outsmart a mule.
Mules have a characteristic of being very stub-
born, so outsmarting them to make them move
using skill, wit and a type of determination.”
There were times in my life when I was accused
of being, “stubborn as a mule” for I was not
always one to take directions or advice from
others.
As a child in school, the nuns who were my
teachers frequently used that phrase on me
when I didn’t behave. Parents were also at
the ready to use it on a defiant child such as
I who frequently refused to obey.
Some kids my own age with whom I disagreed
called me an “ass.” And I suppose that meant
the same, unless they added the word “hole”
at the end which of course usually wound up
in a physical confrontation. And believe you
me, I had my share of those.
When I was a kid in the 1950s, there was a
series of movies and shorts made about
Francis the Talking Mule. I liked them because
he was a silly ass with whom I could certainly
relate.
Thank god many of us outgrow our childlike
tendencies. It took me a bit longer than most
to change some of my defiant childish ways.
I suppose a measure of wisdom comes with
age.
I for one have outgrown the phrase “stubborn
as a mule.” Would be muleskinners of modern
day have more appropriately bestowed upon
me what I consider a term of endearment. I
figure I have graduated in life, having earned
the right to be considered now simply as a
“stupid old fool” who frequently needs a swift
kick in the ass.
-30-
Chris Hanch 5-5-2021
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