The Grizzly Old Cowboy's Night At the Saloon

The Grizzly Old Cowboy's Night At The Saloon That wash-bin washed away tons of trail-dirt Many a pint of blood too said the old man He was lean and mean in his cowboy shirt Weather-beaten face and western sun's tan. Young man, hitch your belt tight tonight We afixin' to race forth to DryCreek's saloon With luck, we'll have great fun and win a fight Before sad coyotes howl at the new moon. Young cowboy winked with a foolish grin Sure Pops, whatever you want to do You know I was born ready and all in I heard that saloon is a snake filled zoo. Last month, ole Tex got shot plum full of holes Died on that sweat-soaked sawdust floor I swear DryCreek jackals got no damn souls Took his boots, searched his body for more! That they did young man, so be lively tonight A cowboy has got to live by heart, wits and gun Just wait, those saloon gals are a pretty sight I bet my best saddle, we fixin' have some fun. Now strap on your six shooter and best shirt Those beauties will cry for young cowboy like you Each one giving you the eye if you dare to flirt I am mighty proud to see you get your due. Hearing loud gunfire from many a mile away Pops checked his six and rode on with a smile For five months he'd lived for this time to play Enduring far too many ranch, dust choking mile. Down main street they in great haste rode The young cowboy, admiring the much older man Walking in, to see how much whiskey they could hold Just being wild and crazy was the unwritten plan! No sooner limbered up than a fight started by the bar Some young fool got himself knife and carried out Damn thought Pops, that's gonna leave a wicked scar Young cowboy grinned and let out a booming shout. All went well until that beauty entered down the stairs Young cowboy, quick as greased lightning fell in love He then began dreaming they would soon be pairs He and that raven-haired queen from heaven above! Pops saw and knew there would be bad trouble soon For she belonged to one bad hombre named Laredo For her he'd fight anything and jump over the moon He was fast with a gun and one tough Texas tornado. Young cowboy knew too but did not care a whit His smitten heart overriding his western good sense He had now found true love and she was all of it For her he'd ride all night and break down any fence! When Laredo approached old Pops saw that gleam Fire in his blazing eyes and steam from his ears Thinking to save his own wild fantasy dream He tossed away any of his caution and fears. Young cowboy saw his hand moved lightning fast Had only enough time to reach for his pistol too This was it, some cowboy wasn't gonna live past Tonight's good fun, and would pay heavy dues! Two shots rang out, almost at the same time Each man dropped his gun, grabbed his chest Fair was this usual type of fight, not a crime Neither cowboy had proved to be the very best. Each fell forward, in a puddle of flowing red-blood And soon died upon that saw-dust saloon floor As coyotes wailed and cattle chewed their cud Neither would see the sun rise once more! Pops rode away, thinking what a damn shame That young man had a great future to live for He was strong and cocky with a good game Now gone, he'd ride this dusty trail no more. With that solemn thought he began to pray God, when my time comes, send me in quick Give me a speeding hot bullet to the chest I want no long drawn out time of being sick. Grant me this wish, we both know to be best! I too, have long lived by heart, wits and gun I now repent of this black heart in my chest I lived and loved, had me one mighty fine run. At ranch-house, he smelled the morning beans Looked he up at heaven and with smile he said Lord, I have on work-shirt and my favorite jeans Forget my wish, give me good day's ride instead! Robert J. Lindley, 1-27-2017 Form- Narrative