And Then

An old cowboy still wore his spurs
As he entered the cool dark bar.
He brushed his jeans of cockle burrs,
Waved his hat for a whiskey jar.

He looked 'round at the Friday crowd,
Smiled and recalled his younger day.
And then he heard him brash and loud -
A young cowboy with hell to pay.

He slammed through the old batwing doors,
Sat down at the old man's table. 
He said."Pop,I'll give you 'what fors'
If you don't leave while you're able."

And then the old man kinda smiled.
He said, "Son,I'd leave were I you.
Things 'round here are 'bout to get wild.
You're 'bout to lose a tooth or two!"

The young cowboy leaned back and grinned
As the old man swung the bottle.
They swore that you could feel the wind
As he hit the chin full throttle.

And then he laid there 'neath the table
With a changed view of these old men.
Don't take on more than you're able -
You don't know where these guys have been.

4/17/2017
For contest And Then..
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Inman Avatar
May 2, 2017 at 9:31 AM
Nicely written Larry.
Neumann Avatar
April 29, 2017 at 12:40 PM
Nice won. Congratulations on your win.
Schwartz Avatar
April 28, 2017 at 3:38 PM
Great Write, Love it being an older in shape guy myself :)
Chansarkar Avatar
April 27, 2017 at 10:50 AM
Great storytelling Larry!
Smith Avatar
April 27, 2017 at 10:48 AM
terrific write Larry, congratulations...
Kimathi Avatar
April 27, 2017 at 6:40 AM
Greetings, Larry. Congrats for your well-deserved second placement with this brilliant narrative!! ;-)
Lawless Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 9:05 PM
Larry, I have often quoted the old man's adage to the younger set..."no amount of youth and exuberance will overcome old age and treachery". Enjoyed this one. thanks for submitting it to the contest
Bradfield Avatar
April 26, 2017 at 9:52 PM
Thank you, John..Had not heard the old adage before and it does fit the poem! I like that!
Bauer Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 6:20 PM
great story, well told. best of luck in the contest...
Bradfield Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 9:46 PM
Thanks, Ilene!!
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace