navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #34 » Spent Lives?
Open Poetry #34
Post A Reply Post New Topic Spent Lives? Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296


0 posted 2004-11-30 11:18 AM


Shining droplets, painted graffiti across the great sky sea
Like scoundrels, fluttering round & round in circles
Turning up, the east side of night’s curtain
For a look see through a window of vivid colors
White snow plastered, fluttering eyelashes, for the cowmen
Drifting north for spring grass….with ease and apparent willingness

There is something primitive, something quit coupled in the open sky
Like an old warm grandfather…lounging around campfires
Telling cowboy stories, like a courier of previous days
Always imagining a few more miles inlaid, for
A tableland saturated with watering holes
Abundant wild life, enough black coffee & beans until harvest
Yes,
For continuous clearings….long incessant rides of field streams
Makes a body wonder if it is impossible to kill man?
With supremely happy order….which claims us….
Smelling the short range of things, willing to eat loco weed

Shortly after daybreak, the cowmen creep up hills
Driving open range, impassable thickets, beating bush
And sniffing their way like a bear with caution
Nothing but a six shooter in holster
His best friend, a cream colored pony
Blowing his breath to the sound of a gypsy
Moon, offering footpaths through the mountains
Like a soft woman’s hands of cotton
And it must be said, their sense of smell…unquestionable!
Branding the plainsmen, part apache
Naming the wind through the pines
Easy, natural and a tempting mirage

Yes, the cowmen, rode and hugged the shelter of hills
Covering stretches of country never seen before
In charge of nothing, especially his own life
Knowing full well, the power of nature
The gaze of a fire and the leer eyed look of one more mile

Wandering the endless range of
Between here and the next watering hole
With a coil of rope
And varmints ready to claim their next meal
Maybe a bottle of whiskey and if you were lucky
A damn good pack mule


© Copyright 2004 Lee J. - All Rights Reserved
JL
Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128
Texas, USA
1 posted 2004-11-30 01:35 PM


Our heritage at work and I am grateful for their hard work, sacrifices, and ‘Spent Lives’.
Reminds me of a history lesson, a movie, or a great book about the people and their families that put this nation together.

Great write Lee J.
Thanks for the reminder.


JL

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
2 posted 2004-11-30 01:44 PM




enjoyed Lee.

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

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 #34 » Spent Lives?

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