Dying Breed

The note was neatly written
On an old brown paper bag
Bound and nicely folded
Inside a little American flag

We found it on the mantle
Near some pictures that he had
Of an old bay hoss he used to ride
His wife, his mother and his dad

It was pressed beneath a Bible
That sixty years ago was new
He often said when it was with him
He felt the Lord rode with him too

The note read smooth and easy
The words were simple, plain, and true
Reflections of a lifetime
Of an old time buckaroo

It read: I'm just a simple cowboy
I've grown accustomed to meager ways
Cause it's sometimes hard to make ends meet
On what punchin' cattle pays

But if wealth is somehow measured
By the many friends you've made
And success is hitched to freedom
Then I reckon I've been well paid

But I've heard we're nearin' extinction
The cowboy's just a vision from the past
His ways are old and antiquated
That our future is fadin' fast

But in my mind, the note read on
I tend to disagree
Cause I see the cowboy in the young bucks
The ones who follow you and me

I've seen 'em ridin' rangy broncs
And spur 'em jump for jump
Then loose the rein and pet 'em some
When they've ridden out the hump

I've heard 'em hoop and holler
Bustin' brush and dodgin' trees
Stand hat in hand and reverent
Old Glory wavin' in the breeze

I've watched 'em tradin' horses
Swappin' lies on a cattle deal
Then sign it proud and proper
With just a handshake for the seal

I've seen a sadness in their eyes
For an orphaned calf in pain
When in spite of their compassion
All efforts were in vain

I know they treat their elders
With respect and dignity
Still tip their hats to womenfolk
Just the way that it should be

It read:  As long as little buckaroos
Dream of ridin' wild and free
There will always be good cowboys
To follow you and me

These words I write, though roughly penned
I hope fit somewhere in the cowboy creed
The cowboy will live eternal
We darned sure ain't no dying breed

© 2002 Jay Snider, All rights reserved
These words may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.

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