Campfire Tales

When all the wranglin' chores was done and the sun settled in the west, The cowboys was lollin' about the campfire savorin' much needed rest. From early dawn they'd branded dogies and herded cantankerous steers, Now it was time to unwind, spin some bull and toss back some beers. Fer supper they had the usual beef, spuds and beans as hard as stones, Now they fired up their cigars, pipes and a few fellers lit roll-yer-owns. A guy played melancholy tunes on his harmonica to calm the antsy herd, And in the distance the yips and snarls of pesky coyotes could be heard. They had fed and tethered their hosses and kicked off their boots, And leaned back on their saddles - what a band of hell-raisin' galoots! They spun tales of wimmen, whiskey, horses, gamblin' and such, And took turns bad-mouthin' the trail boss who they didn't like very much! Their slurred twaddle dwindled to a close and it was time to hit the hay, Knowing that they had to rise early and face another saddle-sore day. Usin' their saddles fer pillers they sprawled 'neath a big yeller moon, Snorin', groanin' and breakin' wind, each emittin' a melodious tune! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired