The Stargazer's Ride For Wild Wild Westcowboy Contest

THE STARGAZER'S RIDE (or THE LAST SPURRING LICK) Saddle shoulder-tossed like feather light Aging cowboy strutted for the crowds The throngs that mingled in his mind From past glory, cheering loud. Across his shoulder down his back Leather mended with great care Oiled and rubbed with tender hands A woman never stirred such love. Excitement scuttled--- colors blazed--- whooping kids these afternoons— Livestock stirr and kicked the stalls inhaling echo pumped excitement’s blur— Colors mixed with fear and joy Set the boldest man on edge Broken bones mere memories-- Blotted out behind the thrills That bucked behind the unknown stalls. A sudden certainty grabbed him As real as bucking in the stalls His breath still strong and stalwart sure The sounds and colors shimmered on Visions flashed from death to glory Called to thrills that grind the soul. He'd had his fill of limps and aches No delights in growing old . Today he'd end his life on fire A rank Star gazer sucking back His time the best—tho body crushed He’d give this crowd a shattering crack Rodeo Terms: spurring lick--the movement of a cowboy's feet Rank—hard animal to ride Star gazer- animal that bucks with his head up Suck back: animal that suddenly switches direction Crack--excitement