Best Cowboy Westernday Poems
The campfire light’s a dimmin’ and the stars are overhead
My saddle is my pillow as I get my blanket spread
The day has been a long one riding fences ‘cross the range
But breathing in the cool night air there’s not a thing I’d change
The prairie wind’s soft whisper greets the hooting of an owl
Soon the song is answered by a lonesome coyote’s howl
Here beneath the prairie skies is just where I should be
The only place that’s fitting for an ole cowpoke like me
I’m wayward as the winds that blow across the prairie lands
As errant as the tumbleweed that rolls ‘cross desert sands
But here upon the range is where my restless heart’s at ease
A saddled pony, boots, and hat to make my memories
Out here upon the prairie as the day comes to an end
I think about the miles of fence that I must ride and mend
But tomorrow is another day so here beneath the sky
I’ll listen as the prairie sings its gentle lullaby
He crawled from his bunk stifling a hearty yawn.
His work began each day at the very crack of dawn.
He donned his jeans, chaps and old slouch hat,
Pulled on his cowboy boots and strapped on his gat!
He downed a bowl of Cheerios which was his usual fare,
Then mounted old Dan, his trusty cayuse, with habitual flair!
He coiled his riata as he sat there leisurely astradddle.
'Twould be another hot, dusty day in his well-worn saddle.
His first task was to patrol the miles of barbed wire fences,
Over the rolling plain of his spread's wide expanses.
Then there were the dogies to herd to the waiting corral,
There to be branded in that familiar, chaotic locale!
Pausing at noon 'neath a shade for much-needed relief,
The cook fed him biscuits, beans and some roasted beef.
Then back in the saddle as old Dan he gently spurred,
To continue rounding up his frenzied, wide-spread herd!
It had been a tiring day riding over hill and vale.
Now he and old Dan headed home along the moonlit trail.
The five-year old cowpoke awoke from his dream-filled nap.
Such a grueling trail it had been for that hardy little chap!
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)