Poetry Showcase

The Cowboy Way
* Copyright ã by Jim Liles 11/2010

Cowboys are known, to have a way of their own,
to sort out a sense of fair play.
You ride for the brand, or a shake of the hand,
that’s always been “The Cowboy Way”.

“The Cowboy Way” is not a phrase,
to be abused and misconstrued.
It’s a way of life, a reason to fight,
it’s a lifestyle through and through.

In the days of old, in the Montana cold,
wild broncs were topped out each day.
Sometimes you get paid, with dang broken leg,
and there’s no one to spread out the hay.

Word spreads pretty fast, when you might need a hand,
to water, do chores and spread hay.
You never need ask, for help with those tasks,
it’s surely “The Cowboy Way”.

Don’t treat it like something you get for nothing,
because you wear hat, boots and spurs.
You have to earn it, and folks will return it,
it’s respect, and the paths that we choose.

Doing the right thing, without any coaxing,
and giving, with no thought of why.
It’s the way of the west, it’s the ultimate test,
to liven’ life in the cowboys’ eye.

The fellow that taught us is always among us,
our Father in Heaven is he.
A great book was written, so we won’t be forgettin’,
who taught us,…. “The Cowboy Way”.

   © Jim Liles Lazy J Rodeo Safety Equipment

The American Cowboy
by Rick Church

There's a certain attitude, or code, if you will,
Of the rancher, westerner, or American cowboy, better still,
It's not the hat, the boots, or spurs so much,
That gives these Americans, the cowboy touch.

First and foremost, always keep your word,
Your word is your bond, I've always heard,
There are people that depend on you, to do what you say,
Sometimes it's inconvenient, but it's the American cowboy way.

Words like honesty, integrity, courage, and grit,
Are as natural as breathing, much like taking to a bit,
Helping out a neighbor, you've found has a need,
Expecting nothing in return, fine qualities indeed.

This truly is the American cowboy, for many I've known,
Seem cast from the same mold, American hewn,
No, it's not so much the clothes they wear,
Simply put, it's a way of life, a breed so rare.

                    Rick Church, copyright 2003
[email protected]

You Want To Be a Cowboy?
 © J E Moon
Bemidji MN 12/01/2008


You want to be a cowboy?
That what I heard you say?

 These old ears is stuffy,
‘n I was lookin’ ‘t’other way

Son, ‘taint like them dime novels,
Or who’s fastest with a gun.

Its heat ‘n sweat, cold ‘n froze.
All work ‘n not much fun.

 It’s ridin’ mean, green horses
While chasin’ deer wild cows,

 It’s stakin’ hay, ‘ pullin’ wells,
‘n dippin’ for the louse.

 It’s all alone in a blizzard,
Your coat round a frozen calf.

 Can’t see the knob on your saddle.
Hopin’ your horse don’t miss the path.

 Wearing out three broncs a day,
The wagon and wormy chuck.

‘n you do it all with a smile son,
Sayin’, “Powder River, let'er buck.”

 Means, I’ll ride it if its wearin’ hair
I’m here to make a stand.

 Son if’n you’ll try come hell or breakfast
Then we might make of you a hand.