An Easterner’s Lament
C&I's Poem of the Week for 10/5/2011
I do not live on Western land,
Where bison roam and peaks command
The view as far as you can see.
I’m far from where I want to be.
My hands aren’t raw from runnin’ wire.
Can’t roam the range as I desire.
I don’t poke cows, can’t ride the trail.
My cowboy stuff arrives by mail.
I read of Cody, Doc and Bat.
Can picture Wild Bill as he sat
In Number 10 with back to wall.
The good and bad, I know them all.
I buy from stores with western wear,
Got shirts, a Stetson, and a pair
Of boots to match my cowboy jeans.
I ride the broncos in my dreams.
The truth be told, it just ain’t fair,
To live out East in someplace where
The cowboy life is just a spoof,
And no one sees the Cowboy Truth.
Another time, another life,
I’d pack my kids and take my wife.
We’d hit the trail to parts unknown,
And settle in a Western home.
But I can’t move. I’m just too old.
My family’s set. I’m not that bold
To change it all. I have to stay,
But I’ll still dream the Cowboy Way.
To submit your poems for consideration, please send them to mail@cowboysindians.com with "poetry" in the subject line. Selected entries will appear online.



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