Hard Life, Well Spent

Cowboys herdin’ cattle cross dusty trails
Sandy hooves paint ground fog in their wake
Shuffling along swattin’ flies off molty hides
Riders amble aside keeping eye on their stake

Chuck wagon camps, setting up by a creek
Beans and pan bread cookin’ over hot stones
Coffee’s meandering aroma penetrates the air
Greeting men carrying saddles over tired bones

Ranch hands scout the waters nearby
Look to the sky to judge the night
Storms a comin’ as night encroaches
Coyotes restless, cries rent last light

Cattle dogs alert to changes
Nip the heels of stragglin’ calves
Cowhand slaps his rope while coaxing
Blistered hands and lips in need of salves

Cowhands sing to calm their charges
Bedrolls gathered near the fire
Dreaming of a trail once taken
And of their loves as they retire
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Greenhough Avatar
September 1, 2024 at 10:57 AM
This is a great cowboy poem. Hard work and endless days are evident in the words of the Golden West. Thank you.
Byars Avatar
August 5, 2012 at 11:21 AM
hi Lena, i just want to say thanks for your work. It is uniquic, There are words and then there are lyric's, I rated Hard Life, Well Spent a 5. But for "The brine, it is calling" i rate a 7+. 7, i think is the best? I love it! Its like we listen to the same music or dream the same dream or are just the same species. IDONO? but i related to it and deffently felt a connection, Don't stop, "peace"
Biffany Avatar
March 29, 2012 at 2:35 AM
You must have riddin' the trail. Great detail. By the way, I appreciated your critique of my poem "Paper dreams" three years ago. I received many superficial congrats, but your comments were meaningful. You're a good poet, I'll try to read more of your work.
Pate Avatar
March 29, 2012 at 9:35 PM
Thank you Randall. Husband and I raised horses and cows for several years. Love horses. If you liked this one read my Cathedral Spiritual.
Brown Avatar
January 4, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Congratulations on making it through the 1st round of PoetrySoup International Contest. Wishing you the best in the finals Lena. Love, Carol
Pate Avatar
January 6, 2012 at 6:22 PM
Thanks Carol.
Brown Avatar
September 12, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Congratulations Lena on your well deserved poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
Moribund Avatar
August 4, 2011 at 2:39 PM
Great poem Lena, reminds me of the John Wayne film Red River. thank you for reading and commenting on my poem. Peace!!!
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