" Owed Ta' Jim "

He was sortin' first calf heifers, shiny stripers, heavy bred.
They were salty but his horse was workin' great.
His dog was posted in th' alley, open gate off to th' right.
"Hit" meant turn 'er and "bye" meant let 'er go on straight.

Thangs was clickin' like they oughta'. Perty day fer workin' cows.
On most outfits days like this was mighty rare.
Feelin' blessed ta' be a cowboy. Horse as honest as they come,
an' a dog, when put ta' test, none could compare.

His truck was runnin' good, for once, good rubber all around.
Tack an' plunder all in good repair.
The wife and kids was healthy.  All was well 'cept just one thing...
"you know my pard's bad sick, Lord, hear my prayer.

With hat in hand, he bowed his head.  The critters all took pause.
Not a creature moved a hair as he began...
"Lord you ain't up there a' sayin' 'Gee, I wonder why that happened?'
You don't wring your hands 'cause this weren't in your plan."

"You know he's got th' cancer, and cancer's why my daddy's gone.
I know I'm s'posed to pray "Thy will be done."
That's what I'm tryin' to do, Lord, 'cause I know that you know all
'bout life and death and what's best fer ever'one."

"It can't hurt ta' make petition. I don't think I'm outa line
to come right out and say what's on my mind. So...
I'm a thinkin' that you oughta' leave my pardner here below,
since he's been down, I've gotten way behind."

"You know that we're a team.  With him around things go lots smoother.
Last time we needed help... I don't recall.
We've rode so much together that our thinkin's just alike.
We seldom even have to speak at all.

"If ya' take 'im, Lord, you might as well just take me right on, too.
"Cause time and time again he's saved my hide.
Or I might just work ma' self ta' death.  That's prob'ly what'll happen.
That he toted most th' load can't be denied."

"He's got that brand new baby boy, and a perty young bride ta' love.
I know you ain't forgotten about them.
I can tell when he's a thinkin' 'bout his bride and that fine boy.
His eyes light up and he cracks that crooked grin."

"My wife, she loves 'im like her own.  The boys think he's their brother.
He's family, Lord, we love 'im just that way,
and what a mighty dark, black hole his leavin' us would make.
We need 'im here, don't take 'im, Lord, I pray!"

"Well, there ya' have it, Lord, I've give you all good, valid reasons.
I ask that you consider my request.
But come what may, I'll give you all the honor, praise, and glory
'cause I know you.  You always do what's best."

His reverence was broken when he heard a shrill, loud whistle.
He saw the owner wave, then jump the gate.
The cowboy watched the way he walked, then saw his misty eyes.
This man was bearin' news that he would hate.

He braced his self, took one deep breath. A lump high in his throat
had blocked the air he needed to exhale.
A million mem'ries of times they'd had began to wash his mind,
and down his cheeks they left a muddy trail.

He listened as the man took care to gently break the bad news.
He let his breath out slow and leaked a groan.
He thanked his boss. "I know this weren't no easy chore for you.
Right now I'm feelin' mighty all alone."

He turned his horse to cattle, crammed his hat back on his head.
He smiled and told his dog, "let's finish this."
"I reckon he's with you now, Lord, and that's O.K. by me.
Just tell 'im I saw 'im give his horse a kiss."

Dave Watson © 2004 This poem may not be reprinted or reposted
without the author's written permission.

~ Poem n' Pen ~

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