Eddie Claimed To Be a Cowboy - With Video Link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-KFwPNkS6U 


Eddie was a braggart,
At least we thought as much.
His lower lip was loaded, 
A three finger dip of snuff…
My mind said, “I think not.”

And he claimed to be a rider,
Bragging of his chaps.
Black leather with blue fringes,
Sportin’ bunnies on the sides.
Said he’d show us all someday…
My mind said, “I think not.”

He was bow-legged as he stood,
Like he’d been upon a bronc.
But when the braggart claimed
He could chug a quart o’ beer…
My mind said, “I think not.”

The day came that we saw his prize,
The heralded leather chaps.
He treated them like china
In that tissue paper wrap.
Did that mean he could ride?
My mind said, “I think not.”

Eddie had no money,
So we anteed up his mount.
And when they called his number,
He strapped on spurs and chaps.
Then, loaded up another
Three finger dip of snuff.
Is this how cowboys do it? 
My mind said, “I think not.”

He climbed the fence and lowered himself
Aboard a mad black mare,
Screwed his left hand in the riggin’ 
Threw his right hand in the air,
And said but one word softly,
“Outside!"
I’m glad that I was there.
That mare pitched to and fro.
He spurred her when she grounded,
Then with all four in the air.
And when the buzzer sounded,
He threw his right boot over
Landing both boots on the ground.
Is this how cowboys do it?
The other boys had not!

He folded up his chaps 
Before he took a step,
And walking to the announcer’s stand
 “Where’s my cash?” He quipped.

That night in celebration,
Eddie chugged a quart o’ beer
With three finger dip in place!
I'm proud that I was there.
If that’s how cowboys do it,
Then I’ve met one,
Face to face!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Jerden Avatar
May 8, 2014 at 7:31 PM
Digging back a little in the archive, Ray. Saw the title and had to check it out. Good one and a nice surprise ending. Cheers, Roy
A  Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 1:07 PM
Ray, Congratulations, enjoying the win. *SKAT
A. Sharma Avatar
March 13, 2014 at 12:45 AM
Congrats on fine win n poetry Ray!
Onclaud Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 3:26 PM
sweet congrats on your award, ray.. huggs
Mehta Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 6:27 AM
Congratulations on a fine win in my contest and thanks for the participation, Ray
A   Avatar
May 8, 2013 at 3:48 PM
I love the poem Ray, the imagery lands like boots on the ground... xox~ Linda
Hicks Avatar
March 23, 2013 at 9:25 AM
What a great story Ray! For some reason I was thinking Eddie was your kid and he was "pretending" to be a cowboy... but reading the beer parts I'm assuming he wasn't a toddler, lol. I enjoyed the light humor and the thoughts that went through this...
Dietrich Avatar
March 17, 2013 at 12:38 AM
gosh, wish I could be so clever as this and think up a cowboy poem. that needs to be next on my agenda!! This was a cowboy delight!!
Roberts Avatar
March 16, 2013 at 8:33 PM
This is great Ray....Seren
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