When the branding iron is cold and the work's all done this fall
a cowboy dreams of oceans swells and southern ports of call.
He thinks about the friends he's made and times he said goodbye
never much for staying put there's nothing he won't try.
Footprints in the sand and the mention of a name
reminds him of the folks he's known and places where he's been.
Always passing through like a bird that's on the wing
he's been a rolling stone since he can't remember when.
He'll go when next the sun shines while the boys are sleeping in
with little more than jingles in the pockets of his jeans.
He said his fare thee wells with a whiskey in his hand
and promised he'd return some day perhaps in early spring.
He'll miss ol' Charlies cookin' the biscuits and the beans
the Tulsa Kid and Harry the kindest man he's seen.
Nights around the campfire with a story and a song
Jack the dog a cat named Beau and Saturdays in town.
He's leaving as he's always done so many times before
on a cool September morning that comes this time of year.
With sunrise on his shoulder and a chill that's in the air
bound for nowhere special he's a man without a care.
In a distant far off place where the honeysuckle blooms
there's a laughing senorita he sees at night in dreams.
Yet when he tries to touch her face she smiles and runs away
hiding in the shadows of the dawning when he wakes.
Like dust - rising in the wind - he's danced a different tune
a soul who's born to wander 'til he meets the end of time.
When the spirit in him dies and he's in that by and by
he'll saddle up the sunrise and ride a cloudy sky.
- Cowboy And Cowgirl group list • next in list
A contest entry
- Haven't had one of these in a while... by Luckintheshadows.
700 points, ended December 1, 2008, 29 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
-
Damn! this is beautiful David, you just keep rolling out these wonderful ballads of the west and those illusive cowboys that take our hearts with them. When I read your poetry, I imagine that it's about you, I bet you broke a lot of hearts.
You toss these poems out like random loops of rope and drag me right up to the branding iron. It's good, Yes!
-
Lovely write here
This is a wonderful poem I so enjoyed it very much
-
Very nice ending "he'll saddle up the sunrise and ride a cloudy sky". Terrific imagery! Well done.
-
YAHOO
i'm yahooing 'cause i think i've found a new person to add to my favourites list
"Like dust - rising in the wind - he's danced a different tune
a soul who's born to wander 'til he meets the end of time.
When the spirit in him dies and he's in that by and by
he'll saddle up the sunrise and ride a cloudy sky."
I LOVE IT. Gonna have to go read all your other country stuff now, this was just amazing oh i'd love to hear it set to music
-
its good and it has a future and he should run with it more then once
hey check me out on little one and cry jesus cry and then email me freind i like your type of poetry its similuar you know i think alot in those very same measures stand up man your good;njayb -
PROMENADE
I......love this....I'm dumb founded.....not because you have written one thing that i absoulutly go back and reread a lot because your talent is obvious...but this theme .... it is the subject I'm most found of....movin on....new people....adventure on the road....loneliness......blood and tears on your saddle.....just great!
But here in lies the treat for me and anyone else that leans towards the lonesome road type of poetry....you have done this in impeccable fashion...to read another writers smokey thoughts of high rafters and low spirits...of hot nights and cold beer...
He's leaving as he's always done so many times before..
Full of freedom and magic that reaches out and grabs at your walkin shoes...
A masterpiece!
Kerouac would be proud my brother,
LOWELL.
-
Nice flow, a good narrative, the lonely traveller continues his journey. I like this, the tone of sad acceptance, the images conjoured up.
-
Nicely written tale of a wanderer. You use good imagery here and its a good interesting read. I like the way this tells a story. Good job here. Thanks for sharing it
-
A really good rhythm and flow with a good storyline to boot. A tale of the inveterate wanderer. Another in the series? excellent write again.
Adding your comment:
1 - 9 of 9
