Hank's Last Roundup

Hank had cowboyed on the Triple T Ranch fer nigh on fifty years. He'd rode the range herdin' beef peerin' betwixt his hoss's ears. Durin' cattle stampedes he'd broke bones and many a time was throwed, And he'd been astraddle his saddle so long that his legs was stiffly bowed! He loved the cowpokin' life but he didn't become rich by any means. He'd even come to savor Cooky's usual grub of bacon, taters and beans. Durin' brandin' time he roped and branded many a steer's scruffy hide. He was a master with the brandin' arn and he wielded it with skillful pride! He liked lollin' 'round the campfire a-jawin' with pards beneath the stars, Sippin' java that smelled like old socks, smokin' roll-yer-owns and ceegars. He pulled many a nighttime guard duty in sleet, snow and peltin' rain, Blowin' on his harmonica to calm skittish herds which was quite a strain! He'll miss huddlin' 'round the bunkhouse stove as storms blew driftin' snow, While he and his pals listened to Tex sawin' away with his fiddle and bow. Hank hung up his scruffy boots, tattered chaps and sweat-stained hat. He'd already given away his well-worn saddle and his 44 caliber gat. This was Hank's last roundup herdin' cattle to Abilene up the dusty trail, Cussin' and sweatin' to get 'em loaded up to ship on the Chicago rail. He stopped by fer a few snorts with the boys at the Long Branch cabaret, Then cantered off into the sunset on Old Dan his trusty hoss, callin' it a day! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (c) 2015 All Rights Reserved