By Jim John
They say I ain't much of a cowboy
And I reckon they're probably right,
Cause I'm really not much of a horseman
And I don't like camping out at night.
I can't rope a cow or wrestle a steer.
I've never drank redeye.
I hate warm beer.
But a soft bed at night, now that I hold dear.
I've never been bit by a rattlesnake
And I don't like to gnaw on a bloody, red steak.
Beans flavored with dust and soot from some fire
Just can't make my spirit soar higher.
Yeah, they say I ain't a real cowboy
And I reckon they're pretty near right,
Cause my boots aren't always comfortable
And I can't wear my levis real tight.
I don't hang out with dance hall girls.
Stud poker was never my game.
I can't play the guitar or yodel
And Slim certainly ain't my nickname.
Herding cattle in blizzards don't sound like much fun
And I 'spect I'd just hurt myself with a gun.
I'm clearly not the tall, silent type
That made sure the West was won.
But -- But my friend -- I went to the Saturday movies
When I was just a boy,
And I learned all the stuff that really counts
From Hoppy and Gene and Roy!
Ya gotta stand up
For the things that are right.
Cowboys don't let bad guys
Win without a fight.
You take care of widows and orphans
Help out the weak and the old.
A man never cheats in his dealin's
And his word must be good as gold.
You see it ain't ropin' or ridin'
That makes a cowboy a man.
It's doing the things that he knows are right
And bein' the best that he can.
So --- they're wrong --- I am a real cowboy.
I know that deep inside,
And you can be a cowboy too
Although you don't rope or ride.
Just help out folks that need it.
Take trouble in your stride.
Bow your head in prayer to your maker.
Don't ever swell up with pride.
Live every day to it's fullest.
Don't pretend that bad is good
And even though you don't sing or shoot,
You'll live like a cowboy should!
Unpublished Work, Copyright 1997, James John
The trail lengthens....
The Code
Ponderings and Mutterings
The Value of Questions
The Study of War
The Home Range
