Arcey recommended I post these here. Some of ya'll may or may not have read these over on the other post, so I figured I'd assemble them for you, then go read up on what I missed elsewhere!
I Was a Cowboy OnceRoland Millington, Copyright 2008, All Rights ReservedI was a cowboy once. I rode across the dirt beneath your wheels.
Rode my hoss and chased the cows with jinglin’ spurs ‘pon my heels.
I was a cowboy once. Rarely restin’ whether in cold or heat.
Now here I sit, in a chair, tied to a rail by a sheet.
Nurses pass me by, families with children visitin’ their kin
"Look at me!" ‘s all I ask with my eyes, and from my soul within
I cry, “I wasn’t always feeble and frail, I was a mighty good hand.
I could rope and I could ride. I could do the work of any ten men.”
Now I sit. In a chair. Tied to a rail by a sheet. And why?
I once rode broncs and bulls, sat them tough, and spurred them high.
I faced a thousand deaths, and laughed at ‘em each time.
But they left me here in disgrace, by a bedsheet I am tied.
I gots no bullets no more. They done took all my guns.
My ponies are dead and gone, and I’m danged sure short on sun.
Once so proud, you see the scars and creases on my face.
Don’t you see, as you walk by, every spot, every place?
Everywhere I rested, I brought a little with me.
Everywhere I laughed and cried, are here for you to see.
But you won’t look. Your ma says, “Boy, jes look away.”
“Forget that ole cowpoke,” I’ll be gone for sure some day.
But remember me, young un. Remember and be proud.
I’m the one, who fed the many. I’m the one who chased the cow.
I’m the one who bled for Mother West and her sister Precious Freedom.
And in your heart, I know some day, I’ll see another sun.
Listen to me boy, hear my hearts deepest request.
Don’t forget about this old cowpoke, remember me the best.
And maybe be a cowboy once. Ride with spurs upon your heels.
Ride a hoss and chase a cow, so you know just how it feels.
To be a cowboy. Once.