Category: Poetry

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Happy Veteran’s Day

This is a tribute to all of our veteran’s in the Canelo Cowboy Community.

Vets

We was gathering cattle on the Concho, but right now we was camped underneath the stars,

We’d followed the wagon out three days ago, we’s along way from pickups and cars.

I can’t believe I’m working on a wagon!  Heck, I’m 19, I’s just a kid!

Not many outfits used wagons now days but I’s sure glad I worked for one that did!

But I guess it was in my blood to be part of the chosen few.

My Daddy had worked on a wagon, and my Grandpa and great Grandpa too.

And I was sure enjoying my freedom!  Punching cows in the good ole US of A!

I didn’t have a care in the world and I figured it’d stay that way.

I had just crawled into my bedroll; it was cold so I was snuggling down there real deep,

Thinking about the next days gather just about off in my sleep,

When I sure thought that I seen something, but like Saint Peter I’s off in a trance’

Then I knew I saw someone standing there in green Army fatigues, and somehow I knew he was somewhere in France.

And somehow I knew that it was my Grandpa, though I’d never met him before,

They said he was one of the first to off load those boats on D-Day, and he’d died there on that Normandy shore.

And he was lookin’ right at me, just like he knew who I was too,

Then he started talking to me just like I’m talking to you.

He said, “Son I know you’re enjoying your freedom, cuz I’ve been were you are tonight,

Working on a wagon in the American West sleeping under a billion stars given’ there light.

 

But for you to be enjoying your freedom, some had to fight and some died,

And thousands more was willing to go, and hundreds of wives and golden star mothers have cried.

Well your Great Grandpa fought in the trenches in WW1, and I died under this Normandy dam,

Your Uncle fought in Korea, and your Daddy fought in Vietnam.

Even ole’ Cookie fought in Vietnam, you’ve heard him talk of his beloved Marine Corp.

But he got shot up when he was over there and he can’t set a horse no more.

And them kids you went to school with that joined the military, their fightin’ in Afghanistan and Iraq,

Tryin’ to extend the American dream, and we don’t know when they’re coming back!

All for the right of your freedom so’s you’d have the right to choose,

So’s you could stand up and say what you want, and boy that’s something you don’t wanna lose!

So while you’re enjoying your freedom, I want you to thank a Vet.

They’re the ones that bought it for you with their blood and their  tears and their  sweat!”

Then just like that my Grandpa was gone, I guess he went back to his grave,

But I’ll never forget that nights visit, and all of the wisdom he gave.

And God Bless all of you American veterans!  My hat is off to you!

I want to thank you for all that you’ve done, and all that you were willing to do!

Oh Say Does that Star Spangled Banner Yet Wave

Over The Land of The Free, And the Home of the Brave?

 

© Steve Lindsey 2003

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“Lady Liberty” by Brad McClain

That day I was horseback,
Just like days before,
But something was different,
My soul feeling sore.

Looked over my shoulder,
And what did I see,
At a full gallop,
Came Lady Liberty.

Her horse was all lathered,
He’d had a hard run,
When she overtook me,
Looked like he was done.

Her robes were all tattered,
Her face drawn and tight,
Her sword was all bloody,
She was quite a sight.

Said, “I’ve had a battle,
I’m weary and worn,
From defending freedom,
Our nation’s been torn,

By those who don’t answer,
To the Creator who gave,
The freedoms we cherish,
And men died to save.”

I held the bridle,
Of the horse that she rode,
Prayed as I sat there,
My shock clearly showed.

“Why did you stop me?”
I asked quietly,
She stared in my eyes,
She saw right through me.

“Where have you been,
When I rang the bell,
Were you too busy,
When your freedoms fell?”

I wept when I heard it,
Didn’t know what to say,
I said, “I am so sorry,
What can I do today?”

“Wake up from your slumber,
And ask God above,
To move by His Spirit,
On the land that you love.”

“Be a bold witness,
For the Savior who’s true,
And don’t be afraid,
Of those who hate you.”

“Pay more attention,
To all those who lead,
And become the answer,
For all those in need.”

“Vote for the reasons,
That we all hold dear,
And work for the right things,”
She made it real clear.

I made a promise,
As she rode away,
That I would do my best,
With what she said that day.

For freedom is sacred,
Cannot be ignored,
And if we aren’t careful,
It will slip from our shores.

Wake up and do something,
We better not wait,
Take our stand for freedom,
Before it’s too late.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2)

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Man in the Mirror

I am standing in front of the mirror,
Looking at my new boots and hat,
Waxing up my mustache, hoping I don’t look fat.
Thinking to myself if my money was well spent,
Do these boots fit just right and does my hat have a dent.
All these things I worry and wonder,
Then at a moment I get the chance to ponder.
If the Lord Jesus was here with me
Would he really be concerned with the things that I see?
If I spent more time looking at my heart,
I would probably realize why things fall apart.
As I look into the mirror and deep into my soul,
I see something there that makes me whole.
I see a little spot, that at times is hard to see.
It is my true heart that is what really makes me me.
This little spot is very dear to me,
It didn’t cost me anything, Jesus paid my fee.
The only thing is did was bow my head and say,
“Lord come into my heart, I give you my life today.”
So when I look into the mirror, at my new boots and hat,
I am going to remember, “What does Jesus look at?”
He looks at his children with love and compassion,
And not at the worlds latest fashion.
So boots or hat it doesn’t matter,
Give your life to Jesus, it make you all the gladder.~~

© 2011 Athen Allee

– See more at: http://campfirecowboyministries.com/man-in-the-mirror-christian-cowboy-poetry/#sthash.sggA4M5x.dpuf