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Open Poetry #12
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John Yaws
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860
Texas

0 posted 2001-03-17 12:22 PM



I rode out to the mesa, just to take a look around,
And there a few miles South of here, I saw the lights of town...
Why, I remember, pilgrim, I guess ‘twas sixty-eight-
Weren’t no one for a hundred miles, but me, an’ Pete, an’ Kate.

‘Paches caught old Pete alone, down near the Creosote well-
By looks of what was left of him, his death was purely Hell.
An’ Kate, she bore me three strong boys, ‘fore she give up the ghost-
Of all the things the years have took, I miss my family most.

Comanches scalped my Billy, he had just turned seventeen-
An’ Bob? He met a faster gun, one night in Abilene.
They wrote and told of Johnny’s death, and, oh, the grief I felt...
He died there on that San Juan Hill, with Teddy Roosevelt.

The years have left me old and gray, a little stooped and bowed-
I stood my ground when I was young, I’ll not go crawlin’ now...
They say they’re gonna take my land, I have no title right-
I bled for every acre, and I’m game for one more fight!

Some slick big-city lawyers say they’re bound to bring me down.
I’ll take the vultures with me, ‘fore they put me in the ground-
One time they called us pioneers, when we were in our primes-
But now we’re “cattle baron’s” and we’ve far outlived our times.

They’ll be here with the daylight, with a briefcase, badge, and gun...
I thought I’d make my peace tonight, I’m way too old to run-
So, Lord, I’m sayin’ thank you for the years that I have known-
And won’t you tell my loved ones, that tomorrow I’ll be home.


© Copyright 2001 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
Packratmike
Senior Member
since 2001-02-25
Posts 632
California, USA
1 posted 2001-03-17 02:23 AM


Gunslinger.....you are one heck of a cowboy poet. You weave a such a great tale in so few words. I applaud you.

Packratmike

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

2 posted 2001-03-17 08:58 AM


Incredible story telling, John! I feel like I've just been to the movies!
inot2B
Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205
Arkansas
3 posted 2001-03-17 12:31 PM


There's not many of you cowboys left.
We all should take heed cause someday the government can come take what we have.
Enjoyed
Trillium
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
4 posted 2001-03-17 05:04 PM


I hope you got a reprieve at the last minute and saved your place. The poetic world need you!

Betty Lou Hebert

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