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The Grizzly Old Cowboy's Night At The Saloon


That wash-bin washed away tons of trail-dirt
Many a pint of blood too said the old man
He was lean and mean in his cowboy shirt
Weather-beaten face and western sun's tan.
Young man, hitch your belt tight tonight
We afixin' to race forth to DryCreek's saloon
With luck, we'll have great fun and win a fight
Before sad coyotes howl at the new moon.

Young cowboy winked with a foolish grin
Sure Pops, whatever you want to do
You know I was born ready and all in
I heard that saloon is a snake filled zoo.
Last month, ole Tex got shot plum full of holes
Died on that sweat-soaked sawdust floor
I swear DryCreek jackals got no damn souls
Took his boots, searched his body for more!

That they did young man, so be lively tonight
A cowboy has got to live by heart, wits and gun
Just wait, those saloon gals are a pretty sight
I bet my best saddle, we fixin' have some fun.
Now strap on your six shooter and best shirt
Those beauties will cry for young cowboy like you
Each one giving you the eye if you dare to flirt
I am mighty proud to see you get your due.

Hearing loud gunfire from many a mile away
Pops checked his six and rode on with a smile
For five months he'd lived for this time to play
Enduring far too many ranch, dust choking mile.
Down main street they in great haste rode
The young cowboy, admiring the much older man
Walking in, to see how much whiskey they could hold
Just being wild and crazy was the unwritten plan!

No sooner limbered up than a fight started by the bar
Some young fool got himself knife and carried out
Damn thought Pops, that's gonna leave a wicked scar
Young cowboy grinned and let out a booming shout.
All went well until that beauty entered down the stairs
Young cowboy, quick as greased lightning fell in love
He then began dreaming they would soon be pairs
He and that raven-haired queen from heaven above!

Pops saw and knew there would be bad trouble soon
For she belonged to one bad hombre named Laredo
For her he'd fight anything and jump over the moon
He was fast with a gun and one tough Texas tornado.
Young cowboy knew too but did not care a whit
His smitten heart overriding his western good sense
He had now found true love and she was all of it
For her he'd ride all night and break down any fence!

When Laredo approached old Pops saw that gleam
Fire in his blazing eyes and steam from his ears
Thinking to save his own wild fantasy dream
He tossed away any of his caution and fears.
Young cowboy saw his hand moved lightning fast
Had only enough time to reach for his pistol too
This was it, some cowboy wasn't gonna live past
Tonight's good fun, and would pay heavy dues!

Two shots rang out, almost at the same time
Each man dropped his gun, grabbed his chest
Fair was this usual type of fight, not a crime
Neither cowboy had proved to be the very best.
Each fell forward, in a puddle of flowing red-blood
And soon died upon that saw-dust saloon floor
As coyotes wailed and cattle chewed their cud
Neither would see the sun rise once more!

Pops rode away, thinking what a damn shame
That young man had a great future to live for
He was strong and cocky with a good game
Now gone, he'd ride this dusty trail no more.
With that solemn thought he began to pray
God, when my time comes, send me in quick
Give me a speeding hot bullet to the chest
I want no long drawn out time of being sick.

Grant me this wish, we both know to be best!
I too, have long lived by heart, wits and gun
I now repent of this black heart in my chest
I lived and loved, had me one mighty fine run.
At ranch-house, he smelled the morning beans
Looked he up at heaven and with smile he said
Lord, I have on work-shirt and my favorite jeans
Forget my wish, give me good day's ride instead!

Robert J. Lindley, 1-27-2017
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