the Sagebrush Rembrandt's Rampage
(C)2012 Bob Atkinson
nature gives and nature takes
sometimes with a hearty laugh
the cowboy strode around the horse
both fearful and taken aback
his pride was here on the line
his ego mushroomed large
a will to conquer the wild snorting beast
pushed him farther than wise or smart
here in open country
on the great open range
where nature struggles to survive
with very little rain
the plants are tough
the going's rough
roads pockmarked
always ungraded
trees have pricks and look like sticks
with thorns that cannot be
touched without so much pain
that eyes water so one can't see
sat the cowboy down again
coffee cup drawn to his face
wished he'd brought a bottle
to smooth his shaky gait
had eaten Cookie's breakfast
took twice as long today
chewed over what had before this time
been swallowed in a hurried way
now was time for action
boots pulled up snug and tight
belt around his hardened middle
buckle cinched just right
this bronco needed busting
never done one like that before
his time for taking caution
had quickly walked out of his door
a cowboy on the open range
was a much different kind of beast
wilder than most animals
crazy and most times indiscreet
no manners much to speak of
no form in his conversation
that could be recognized as language
in more civil situations
in a place of homes with walls
this man would not survive
he needed sky upon his head
to reflect a sparkle in his blue eyes
the animals had learned too
survival also needed guts
and here in the open air
a horse would jump and buck
bridle rope upon the face
of his enemy for today
hand of fate would slap down quickly
one without courageous ways
the eye of the wild stallion
looked hard into his face
would be he thought a miracle
if he lived until the end of day
a horse can smile, you've seen it
and carry a twinkle in his eyes
when he knows what's coming from
competition between diverse styles
the cowhand wanted respect
the horse just wanted all
he'd seen in the open range
when no man had him corralled
the saddle seemed to be snug
the rope around a tall neck
would be the lads only connection
to a false feeling of future success
a boot went through the stirrup
one leg went over top
for a moment all was still and quiet
on the saddle his butt plopped
a smile grew on his face
one on the stallion too
here would be a good race
to see who conquered whom
well now to put it simply
let me pause and ponder how
to let you know the quick results
of this attempted conquest of a mount
well, on the lad's backside
just below his belt
that part of him went over
that kitchen implement
you know the round metal object
the one in which water comes to a boil
when making that afternoon delight
sweet tea for all of our enjoyment
