Hoe-Down

The dancing pardners, dressed in dungarees,
With checkered shirts, and Stetsons,  boots and spurs,
Are at a wedding. Joy the bride now asks 
The band to play a tune that she prefers.
 
The fiddle music made ’em tap their toes,
But what she wants just brings the place to life:
The hoe down wedding is the place to be -
And Billy-Bob’s so glad that Joy’s his wife.

I shake my head and smile at what I see
And hear the whoops and cries, as couples leap;
The fiddlers play so fast I can’t resist
But soon become a laughing, sweating heap.

I step upon my pardner's boot clad toes, 
And pull her down when I fall to the floor. 
I laugh so hard I cannot get my breath, 
But she is angry, branding me a bore. 

Some stop their dancing just to help me up 
And wait there as I stumble to a chair. 
The newlyweds wrapped in each other's arms 
Dance on as though the rest of us aren't there. 

This is their day, hope I haven't spoiled it 
Even a little bit, that would be sad. 
Most of the guests are crowding to dance floor, 
But as for me, I'll rest here for a tad. 

Before too long, I have to shout, “Yee-haa!”
I clap my hands and then I stamp my feet.
The youngsters feign fatigue and clear the floor 
And, giggling, watch me leap up from my seat...

Written by Jack Horne and Joyce Johnson for Shadow's contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Hamilton Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 7:24 PM
great humour Jack and super pen congrats on placing and ty for your support hugs
Allison Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 6:38 PM
dropping back with my congrats to you both:-) hugs jan xx
Yvonne Avatar
November 5, 2014 at 6:33 PM
Congratulations Joyce and Jack on your win in the Cowboy Hoe Down contest. "Yee-haa!"
Johnson Avatar
October 18, 2014 at 8:46 AM
Whoopi, yee-haa, holy schmoly, wow. You just keep getting back out there, good for you, now take a bow. Sounds like quite the night. Peace. :)
Callus Avatar
October 13, 2014 at 4:16 PM
This is very entertaining Jack & Joyce:) I can picture the whole setup, prancing and stamping; that “Yee-haa!” is still echoing in my ears! This should do well in the contest. // paul
Callus Avatar
November 8, 2014 at 10:16 AM
Many congratulations for a creative hoe down display...to both of you! Well done:) // paul
Devonshire Avatar
October 12, 2014 at 5:00 PM
Dear Jack, If and when we ever meet, I expect you to let out a loud "Yee Haa" when we go dancing. This is a fun poem written by two of my favorite poets! Love, carolyn
Eastman Avatar
October 12, 2014 at 9:57 AM
A lovely adventure! And SOOO much energy... I felt like I was there!
Austin Avatar
October 12, 2014 at 9:07 AM
Great description, Jack. I went square dancing just once and, as I remember, I was the squarest one on the floor. Love, daver
Yvonne Avatar
October 12, 2014 at 6:10 AM
Love this great hoe-down tale.
Dietrich Avatar
October 11, 2014 at 6:28 PM
wow, you chose a GREAT partner for the hoe down. You guys may have danced your way into first place with this one!!! thanks for seeing my poems today, Jack.
Lindley Avatar
October 11, 2014 at 6:21 PM
Splendid write and amazing teamwork! Bravoooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!
Kendrick Avatar
October 11, 2014 at 4:26 PM
Reads like a winner to me..Way to go for the contest...Thanks for all the visits by my page..Sara
Allison Avatar
October 11, 2014 at 3:12 PM
great write with lovely imagery and description. Jack and Joyce good luck in the contest:-) hugs jan xxx
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