Cowboyin' Ain'T Fer the Squeamish!

A properly equipped cowpoke is bound to impress the boss. He'll need a mount of course and a silver-studded saddle fer his hoss. He'll need some chaps to protect his jeans frum them pesky burrs, And his outfit wouldn't be complete without a fancy pair of spurs! A wide-brimmed Stetson is needed fer shelter frum the searin' sun. It's also dandy fer feedin' oats to his hoss when their work is done. He'll need a pair of Tony Lama boots with high heels and pointy toes, And a bandana to keep the dust and bugs from a-pluggin' up his nose! When on night patrol and the restless herd is spooked by lightnin' bright, A harmonica is a handy gadget to soothe the herd frum takin' flight. A coiled riata he'll need to corral them stampedin' wild cows. He'll wear a pair of 44s to shoot rattlesnakes (if'n the boss allows)! He'll need a couple of blankets fer sleepin' 'neath the canopy of stars, And bags of Bull Durham fer roll-yer-owns and maybe a few cigars. He'll need a heap of patience when gallopin' through the chaparral, Roundin' up them frenzied dogies fer brandin' in the old corral! He'll be a-chasin' cattle and a-fixin' fences thro' rain, sleet and snow. He wonders sometimes why he cowboys - it sure ain't fer the dough! He'll need lots of fortitude to abide "Cooky's" taters, bacon and beans, But he'll keep at it 'til he's old and gray, 'cause cowboyin' is in his genes! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved) Placed No. 10 in Giddy up! Little Dogies! Contest May 2010