Hank's Scruffy Boots

Hank rested his boots on the railin' of the bunkhouse when day was done.
The pointy-toes of his scruffy boots framed the slowly settin' sun.
He leaned back in his rockin' chair, his hands embracin' the back of his nape,
Contemplatin' his tattered boots, (tho' they was still in purty good shape!)

He paid ten bucks fer 'em at a Sears Roebuck store twelve years er so ago.
Hank wanted Tony Romo boots but cowpokes don't make that kinda dough.
He was mighty proud of them boots, just 'bout the purtiest he'd ever seen!
He broke 'em in astraddle his faithful mule, Old Dan, on the trail to Abilene.

Back on the ranch he wore 'em fixin' fences and brandin' wily steers.
Hank rodeoed, throwed from buckin' hosses to his pards roarin' jeers!
The boots made good pillers when sleepin' 'neath the starry skies.
He'd shake 'em good to dispose of scorpions when at dawn he'd rise!

He fixed a pair of silver spurs to the boots, of them he was mighty pleased.
Hank spent hours polishin', buffin' and keepin' them babies greased!
When paid his meager pay he'd scrape manure off'n them to seek romance.
Hoppin' in his Ford 150, headin' fer Clyde's Saloon fer Saturday night's dance!

Time moved on inexorably and the boots became marred and battered.
Them old boots, Old Dan and cowboyin', to Hank was all that mattered.
He told his pards, "Boys, I ain't askin' much, but ya'll promise without fail,
That you'll bury me with them boots on when I come to the end of the trail".
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

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Laurie Avatar
March 28, 2021 at 8:55 PM
G'day Bob ... your cowboy tales are sure interesting with wit, history, and full of ranch charms - thank you Bob - Lindsay
Devonshire Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 1:25 PM
I guess Tony Romo is the only "Cowboy" who can afford the fancy boots, Bob. I've heard cowboys like to be buried wearing their boots, but you gave us quite a witty and charming story. Enjoyed! Hugs, Carolyn
De Beaulieu Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 12:49 PM
Hello Robert, Hank, loved those boots that much! Wow! I guess he will be buried with those boots on. LOL. Enjoy your day my friend.
De Beaulieu Avatar
March 29, 2021 at 3:12 PM
Helo Robert, a response late or on time does not matter As long there is a response. Enjoy your evening my friend.
Hinshaw Avatar
March 29, 2021 at 1:07 PM
Thank you so much, Darlene. Apologize for my late response. Bob
Wolf Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 8:14 PM
A real classic, Robert! Sure hope they 'shake the scorpions out' and 'scrape off the manure' before they bury old Hank! You sure you weren't a cowboy?!! (btw: What kind of car does a German cowboy drive? - A Howdy!... I think it's a 'groaner,' but you'll let me know). Saddle up, gw
Hinshaw Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 7:28 AM
Howdy, Gershon! Always enjoy your kind and witty comments. I've chatted with a number of real live cowpokes here in Col and elsewhere & they all talk kinda funny. I reckon some of their lingo has rubbed off on me. Have a blessed Passover Season with your family and friends. Bob
Merryman Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 6:30 PM
I sure enjoyed your story, Bob! Very entertaining! Blessings, Kim M
Hinshaw Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 7:22 AM
Thanks, Kim, for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed - Bob H
Allison Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 6:21 PM
you certainly are an expert story teller my friend:-) hugs Jan xx
Hinshaw Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 7:22 AM
Thank you, Jan. I'm happy that you can appreciate tales of the American wild west! hugs - Bob H
Romios Avatar
March 25, 2021 at 4:01 PM
Loved it..... Bury me with my boots))) You sure know cowboy lore, Bob. Big City gal Pangie ****
Hinshaw Avatar
March 26, 2021 at 7:21 AM
Thank you, Pangie. I'm glad you interpreted the cowpoke lingo! Bob
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