Snowstorm
Ranchin' ain't easy,
an' it don't get no better
when chores are plum' awful
on account a the weather.
Storm clouds start gatherin'
above the horizon-
I dig out long-handles,
I hate 'em like pi'son.
A cold wind starts blowin',
chills a man to the bone.
The future is troublin'
out here on my own.
The house starts to creak
but stands up to the storm-
another log on the fire
keeps it cozy an' warm.
I pull on my old coat
'n boots--pretty worn,
turn up my collar,
an' head for the barn.
Snows blowin' sideways
an' stingin' my face,
I think I'm half crazy
to stay on this place.
Wind keeps a howlin',
snows pile up an' drift.
If I don't find them cattle,
they may fall off a cliff.
With my trusty ol' horse,
we herd some to corral-
we've been long together
so he's more like a pal.
This task is repeated,
in hastened routine,
while the storm grows
more fierce, angry, an' mean.
I take to my bed
in wee hours of morn,
tired an' half froze,
wish I'd never been born.
The fire's dyin' down,
burrow deep in my quilt,
complain to my maker,
then, feel plum' fulla guilt.
'Cause I know He saved me
from that terrible storm
as my limbs start to thaw,
an' body gets warm.
Last thing on my mind
as I drift off to sleep,
"Lord, I'm sure grateful
this cowboy you keep!"
Copyright © Tamara Hillman | Year Posted 2005
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment