Dead Man's Walk With a Collie
I rode a longhorn steer clear across Texas
this summer and no one noticed until
I rode into New Mexico."That is strange, senor"
A vaquero said standing beside the road.
"Don't people here ride cows?" I asked
innocently but amused. "Oh, yes, we ride
cows, but not on Sunday, senor."Taken aback
somewhat by his insolence I continued my search
for water - having been dry for a good portion of
this journey. I found an old man at a water hole
with a collie dog and a Mustang stallion.
He approached with a serious look saying
"I will trade you this fine Mustang for that
longhorn. Then you can ride what should be ridden
And I can eat what should be eaten." Surprised by his logic
I agreed if he would throw in the collie
as part of the trade.I took the horse and collie
And the town barbecued my longhorn that night.
I was glad I had never given that steer a name.
As I was leaving town, a strange man spoke.
"You are entering Jornado Del Muerte..Dead Man's Walk.
Along this trail are those who will eat your dog.
They will also eat you and take your horse. It is
too late to return to Texas. You are a dead man
and this is your last walk."I travel that path
without fear for some strange reason.Will the dog
be first to go or do I taste better than he?
10/16/2016
For contest Give Me Your Best James Tate
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