The Eternal Roundup
It was after chores were done near the end of day.
In the fading light, the cowpoke rode away.
The ranch was far away as his horse rode up the hill.
A gust of strong wind came from what was once still.
With the setting of the sun, the sky became crepuscular.
What he witnessed next seemed quite peculiar.
This was something our friend could see with each eye:
A large herd of longhorns thundered across the sky.
These steers and heifers were those he never saw before.
After the first wave had passed, there were many more.
Their horns were black and shiny while their hooves were made of steel.
They had brands still on fire, and their hot breath he could feel.
A contingent of ghostly riders rode on horses close behind.
These specters he could see were not of the earthly kind.
They had gaunt faces, blurred eyes, and shirts soaked with sweat.
In pursuit of the spectral herd, they have not caught them yet.
The horses were snorting fire as the riders galloped by.
The fear inside of the man was elevating quite high.
The cowboy was close enough to hear the mournful cry
of the riders as they chased the herd across the sky.
As the ghosts were riding by, each one called out his name.
Dire advisory warnings were what each one would exclaim:
“You have been flagrantly dishonest and egregious in your life.
Continue on your course, and you will soon share our strife.
We are chasing the devil’s herd eternally across the sky.
You will be sharing our endless travails right after you die.
Cowboy, to avoid our fate, you must change your ways.
Live your life righteously for the remainder of your days.”
Inspired by the 1949 hit song "Riders in the Sky" by the late Vaughn Monroe
Copyright © Robert Pettit | Year Posted 2011
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