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