(Written for a fallen compadre, Glen Keeley of Nanton, Alberta,
who died riding bulls in Albuquerque, New Mexico, March 24, 2000)
I shed these tears for you, my friend;
you have left for some place higher.
Yet still, my heart beats sadly on,
we miss you around the campfire.
I pray you find greener pastures,
where the water never runs dry;
the mountain meadows grow endless
and heaven’s stars light up the sky.
Where wild horses roam in thousands,
with no wires to box them in,
and tragedies can not exist
for those who've traveled where you've been.
A place filled only with good friends
so old stories can then be shared,
and no one will doubt your tales,
you’re surrounded by those who cared.
Thanks for the memories my friend,
we'll get together again soon;
for now, please just watch over me,
from beyond that cloud covered moon.
Author notes
As with all my poetry, I appreciate constructive feedback so that I can improve as a writer. Please give it to me straight, I'm a big boy, I can take it.
In a list
A contest entry
- COWBOY DREAMS or COWBOY BLUES by ennovy.
700 points, ended July 22, 12 entries
Honorable winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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Wonderful imagery of what we all hope Cowboy Heaven is like. See you there, pard. Good luck in the contest.
Novy & Brazos -
This is a dynamic poem and dedicated to a friend..a real cowboy...I thank you for entering our contest...Brazos & Novy
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Dear API
I've got to hand it to anyone who even THINKS about riding one of those things, much more to those who'd agree to riding them several times!
I get a little nervous in front of people who have nothing personal against me, so it wouldn't cross my mind to get on the back of an animal that big
with whom I have absolutely nothing in common.
This is a nice tribute, to not only your friend, but for all the cowboys that ride the circuit.
Well writ.
John-Las Vegas, Nevada
. Rewarded 8
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this is awesome! I am sorry for your loss but i know even what you wish for your dear friend is nothing compared to where they hopefully are right now. the rhyme is perfect and the images floating in my head are phenominal good write.
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Good rhyme, well written. It may not be perfect, but I don't know where I would change it.
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Cowboys are a whole different breed, thank God!
I live in NM, and work in Albuq. So sorry about your loss, but cowboys never give up. It is quite a dangerous way of life, but from experience, I know they thrive on it!
Peace/Mia
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very good
A tragety turn ed into triumph. What a tribute to a lost friend. Very well written, well thought out
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Rory, this as a wonderful tribute to a friend. I am sure it makes him smile when he looks down on you each night. You have not lost him for you care him in your heart and your memories will make you smile. May he live free and safe until you meet again
Thank you for sharing a part of you!
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Another great piece Rory and a fine tribute to a good friend, One has to feel that if one has a chance to choose a way to die that doing something you enjoy has to be the way to go. Great work
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Oh you have penned such an amazing poem... Your friend will never grow old nor will he fade when you have him locked safely in your heart...all these memories will come to you when he passes through your thoughts. This dedication truly worthy of a friend written by a friend...and that ending brought a tear to my eye and made my heart smile. Thank you for the read the pleasure and allowing us into your life a little.
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As someone who favors country living (though that would surprise many people on here) I can just about take a deep breath of fresh air while reading this..
Missing and loving someone that is gone, is so very hard isn't it?
But then they were only ours for a little while..
Beautiful write
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Beautiful. To lose someone we care about is tragic in itself. But to remember them as you have is truly a friendship of lasting. Excellent write....mal
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This is both sad and beautiful.. you've filled it with lovely images as well... There are a few odd spots but those are covered by the sheer grace of this poem...
It is excellent Rory, heartfelt and peaceful.. I like the rhyme scheme in this... it's almost an english sonnet! Very nice...
~Melissa
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