navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #31 » Some Good Advice (by Enchantress' request)
Open Poetry #31
Post A Reply Post New Topic Some Good Advice (by Enchantress' request) Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Gunslinger
Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901
TX, USA

0 posted 2004-03-09 06:26 PM



I threw my riggin' in the truck,
Kicked the tire, and cussed my luck.
I hadn't made a dime in several days.
An old cowboy laughed at me,
And said, "Hey, kid! It's plain to see...
You haven't got  the grit to make it pay."

I clenched my fists, and turned on him-
He grinned, and said, "Hey listen, slim-
Why don't you take the fight out on the broncs?
Just suck it in, and cowboy up-
And you might have a change of luck...
And stay away from bars, and honky tonks".

"You have to make a choice, you see"?
He took a long hard look at me-
"You stack up right, to be a ridin' fool.
So dust your jeans, then get back on-
Enjoy youth before it's gone...
To play the game you have to know the rules".

He said, "You ride the ones you draw-
And don't turn out the worst outlaw.
Just take 'em as they come, and do your best.
Mark 'em out, and spur 'em hard-
No matter how you're stomped, or jarred...
'Cause that's the code we live by in the West".

That was thirty years ago,
Age and spills have made me slow...
I never even learned the old man's name.
But I learned the lesson well,
Rode my broncs, and truth to tell-
I'd advise these young cowpokes to do the same.


© Copyright 2004 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
1 posted 2004-03-09 06:47 PM





"That was thirty years ago,
Age and spills have made me slow...
I never even learned the old man's name.
But I learned the lesson well,
Rode my broncs, and truth to tell-
I'd advise these young cowpokes to do the same."

YAHOOOO!!  Ridem' Cowboy!!
Thank you so much for telling us another story John!
You have so many great tales to tell...
May I be so bold as to ask for more..please, soon?
~Big smiles and hugs to match, Nancy~

Nightshade
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
2 posted 2004-03-09 07:01 PM


So dust your jeans, then get back on-
Enjoy youth before it's gone...
To play the game you have to know the rules".

Yes, a story within a story. Lovin' the way you write John. I am glad my sister asked you for another post. Now, keep them comin'. hugs, Chris

I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

- William Butler Yeats



    

scorpio
Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
3 posted 2004-03-09 07:06 PM


Rules and advice that go beyond the coralls of the rodeo.  Homespun wisdom.  I'm glad Enchantress asked for more. Well done.

believe in what your heart feels...

Goodknight
Member Elite
since 2002-06-15
Posts 2386
Ohio, USA
4 posted 2004-03-09 08:03 PM


you write a good story here - Paul
steavenr
Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058

5 posted 2004-03-09 10:06 PM


"You ride the ones you draw" ...I have an old rodeo friend who told me the very same thing...lots of sage advice there on many levels...much like your very well-written verse...
ice
Member Elite
since 2003-05-17
Posts 3404
Pennsylvania
6 posted 2004-03-10 06:52 AM


Slinger
I do love "cowboy" poetry, and this is an excelent example of that specific kind. Authentic phrasesing and has that special flow that captures part of that tough life.
enjoyed
________ice
  ><>

Startime55
Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148
Alberta, Canada
7 posted 2004-03-10 10:33 AM


BRAVO!!!BRAVO!!!So good to read your wonderful stories again...Magnificent...

Magicmystery
Senior Member
since 2002-02-13
Posts 821
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
8 posted 2004-03-10 11:37 AM


Just stopped in to have a read today.... glad I did....


Your story was just the kick in the hind quarters that I needed.  Thanks

Climbing back into the saddle now....
Sherry

Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
9 posted 2004-03-10 12:11 PM


YEEHAW!
LOL, couldn't resist hollering that one into the winds. Dust off those chaps, get back in the saddle, ride 'till you see the OK corral.

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2004-03-10 12:38 PM


He said, "You ride the ones you draw-
And don't turn out the worst outlaw.
Just take 'em as they come, and do your best.
Mark 'em out, and spur 'em hard-
No matter how you're stomped, or jarred...
'Cause that's the code we live by in the West".

~*~

  That Nancy Lee sure knows how to get the storytellers to sit around the campfire.  Thank you, Sir...I've been missing the sounds of you.

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
11 posted 2004-03-10 12:41 PM


smiling big

glad you reposted John

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
12 posted 2004-03-10 12:49 PM


I enjoyed this repost, Gunslinger...good advice in all walks of life.
Pilgrimage
Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945
Texas, USA
13 posted 2004-03-10 08:41 PM


Oh, Gunslinger, it's a joy to see you.  I'm never here, and I miss so much. I'm so glad I got to read this one. Your poems are songs about life, about the people I've known and the places I've been. You speak with the accent I grew up with. Keep it up, cowpoke!

Nan (Pilgrim variety)

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #31 » Some Good Advice (by Enchantress' request)

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary