I Was Rattled

I was minding my business, taking my time, Ridin’ Ol’ Bess from the West Miller Mine When all of a sudden, (weren’t nothing’ I did) Bess started buckin’ and she hit the skids! I was pitched off her back like a sack of no worth To land near the meanest dang rattler on earth! His tounge was a-flickin’, tasting the air, His eyes clouded over, like a blind man’s that pair. He was longer than Bess with a full twelve-inch girth, My mettle dissolved to a pitiful dearth. His head raised up proud, his tail even prouder And that buzz just kept getting louder and louder! His mien was aggressive and I was a wreck So I pulled out my shooter and aimed for the neck! Now I hate killing creatures; God’s watchin’ and all, But he had my number and was dialin’ the call. His head is still there, by the side of the trail But I took the rest home, even that tail! His meat fed me supper, yep, top o’ the line. His hide and those rattles? A hat-band so fine!