Cowboy Christmas

The rangy longhorns were rounded up and tended to. Over the Colorado plains a fearsome blizzard blew! 'Twas Christmas Day! The cowpokes paid no mind to the storm, As they huddled 'round the potbellied stove all snug and warm! While 'Cooky' stuffed the turkey for their Christmas fare, Frivolity, fun and comradeship filled the air! The old bunkhouse was decorated as best they could. In a corner a tree formed from tumbleweeds stood. They recalled Christmases past when they were boys, Sharin' happy family lore and distant Yuletide joys. One read from Luke the story of Jesus and the manger. He is their faithful sidekick - to them He is no stranger! They sang carols accompanied by a harmonica and guitar, And sipped spicy cider and coffee as black as tar! With cups of wassail they proposed raucous toasts, And regaled each other with timely and witty ripostes! 'Cooky' yelled, "Come 'n git it, all's ready 'round the board!" They doffed their hats for the blessin' and thanked the Lord. Though the hoi polloi celebrated at the Ritz with gala parties, That would never do for these range ridin' hearties! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired © All Rights Reserved