Bosom Buddies

Resting there, beneath the sod, Lie two young, bosom friends. They shared the joys and toils of life, From childhood, down in Texas, To this grassy knoll where their story ends. Now, the mysteries of life and youth Are hard to understand. Especially in times like these, When winds of restlessness and change Are blowing wild across the land. Both, Tom McQueen and Billy Barnes Were fine, but reckless boys. Bill had a fiery temper, While Tom just lived for teasing-- Jests and jokes were his favorite toys. Though friends, they often mixed it up, In their rough and tumble way. Billy's boiling point was low, And Tom, who only spoke in fun, Always knew which words to say. Their tussles never lasted long, Though sometimes they were rough. They thrived on scrapes and bruises, But no grudge could come between them; They were made of tough, forgiving stuff. They joined us on the cattle drive When both were seventeen. They pulled their weight from dawn to dark, And I never heard them once complain. No braver lads I've ever seen. --continued...