A Cowboy's Last Will

A Cowboy's Last Will


The old cowboy struggled for breath,
Heartbeat faint, his eyes set
He whispered softly before death -
"Wait! I ain't finished yet! "

"Don't lay me where my feet are cold
Or where the lightnin' plays.
Keep me from rushin' waters bold
And where the rattler stays.

Don't put me where they might stampede,
I've seen enough of that.
Or where the cliff face might recede,
I'd rather see it flat.

Keep me from where the Norther blows
And ice grows on your chin.
I've seen enough of sleet and snows
And brutal killin' wind.

And most of all protect me well
From sandstorms in my face.
I'd rather face the fires of hell
Than sand in my last place.

I know I'd rather be laid down
Where I can feel at home.
Maybe I could be laid in town
So I won't feel alone.

Why not just put me in a place
Where I can hear a tune.
Just lay me underneath the stage
In that Longhorn saloon."

Those were the last words that he spoke
They shrugged and said "Why not?
A cowboy in a bar who's dead -
That ain't a brand new thought."

When you pass by in your new Fords
And if you really care,
You'll find him underneath them boards,
The Longhorn S'loon's still there.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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A   Avatar
August 8, 2016 at 10:44 PM
LARRY, Congratulations on your awesome win. Stop by and enjoy my latest blog "It's Over." always & forever ~LINDA~
Bradfield Avatar
August 8, 2016 at 11:40 PM
Thank you, Linda....my pleasure....I enjoy your work Larry
Walker Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 11:53 PM
Larry, your cowboy sure had a lot to say before he kicked the bucket. I enjoyed reading your poem. It brought a smile on my face. In some ways, it reminded me of my mother-in-law who wrote in her will that she didn't want to wear shoes in her casket because her feet would get too warm. ????~ Sonia
Bradfield Avatar
April 8, 2016 at 9:20 AM
Thanks, Sonia..funny about your mother-in-law. We were raised in the sands of west Texas and my brother wants to be buried at sea to make sure he's not in the sand for eternity!
Leiser Avatar
April 7, 2016 at 10:08 PM
Your poem had the spirit of the old Wild West and also has a great cadence to it, Larry. Superb write, a 7+!
Bradfield Avatar
April 8, 2016 at 9:21 AM
Thank you, Laura! Glad you enjoyed it!
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