Cowboy Hats and Boots

There ain't nothin' a cowboy is prouder of than his faithful horse,
Except that is, maybe his hat and his pointy-toed boots of course!
In sleet, snow and rain he'll pull the old hat down over his ears,
As he stands guard over the restless herd of skittish steers!

He'll wear his old sweat-stained hat to Saturday night dances,
And to protect him from the sun and rain while fixin' fences.
At the end of day he'll guzzle a coupl'a beers, his thirst to slake,
Plantin' his boots on the brass rail with his pards to take a break!

He'll wear his old slouch hat from dawn 'til at night he hits the hay,
Never doffin' it for nothin' 'cept if'n a pretty lady passes his way,
Or use it to water his hoss and feed him oats is the other exception!
For the niceties of society and the social graces he has little affection!

Maybe he can't afford a fancy pair of them Levi or Wrangler jeans,
And he must tolerate Cooky's tiresome chuck of bacon and beans,
But when it comes to his hat and boots he won't compromise.
The hat must be a Stetson and Tony Lama boots are what he buys!

He throwed his leg over his saddle horn one day and had this to say:
"Boys, when I come to the end of the trail and cash in my chips someday,
I don't want you fellers a-carryin' on and a-bellerin when I'm gone.
Jes' promise you'll bury me in my dusty hat and scruffy boots and carry on!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
March 4, 2012 at 6:38 AM
Real to read words from a faithfull gentleman with talent...its brightend up a dismal rain filled U K day,, pleased to visit your site..)
Devonshire Avatar
February 29, 2012 at 1:18 PM
LOL The "redneck" area of Florida's panhandle has many men such s the one you described. I think the boots and hats mean more to them than their wives. Very funny, Bob! Love, Carolyn
Dailey Avatar
February 29, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Nice. My stetson is out of shape and no longer wearable but when I dress up, cowboy boots are on my feet. Once you start wearing them, normal shoes just won't do. Mike
Horsman Avatar
February 29, 2012 at 5:48 AM
By the teacher, i'm being taught, wonderful western theme, Bob. you write i'll read. harry
Andresen Avatar
February 29, 2012 at 4:01 AM
Bob, I like this poem you have created.Always pleasure to read yours poem.Have a lovely day bob. - oxox love Anne-Lise
Onclaud Avatar
February 29, 2012 at 3:00 AM
great cowboy tale, bob... all the elements of what a cowboy needs to show flair is here... carry on!.. :) huggs!
Dietrich Avatar
February 28, 2012 at 9:01 PM
a GREAT poem on cowboy attire. My hubbie loves this kind of stuff!!
Bauer Avatar
February 28, 2012 at 6:46 PM
a wonderfully rhyming poem which was delightful to read, as always!
Song Avatar
February 28, 2012 at 6:12 PM
YEEEeeeee HAaaaaa! That's a mighty fine rhyme, partna! Gotta love those cow boys who do everything in their hats...everything!! Sweat stained and rather stinky, I still like them ole cow boys...we outta have 'em fightin' in the US military!! Hope you are getting along well, Bob. I think of you and Miss Vera often. God is sooo good! He is always lookin after his folks. Gwendolen
Flach Avatar
February 28, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Nicely done, Bob. You can always tell a real cowboy from a pretend one because when he does, on that rare occassion remove his hat, he has a noticably white forehead on top of a darkened tan face. Good hats and good boots are worth their weight in gold.
Culverhouse Avatar
February 28, 2012 at 5:44 PM
very nice....would hate to be a cow in the storm.
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