FOLK COLLECTION 11: The Skaggs Foundation Cowboy Poetry Collection

Thinking Back

FC 11 J-19

13

Billy James

Six Rueful Horses

There were six rueful horsees that came down the street. They had twelve painted coffins to lay at our feet Where were twelve sleeping soldiers who breathed their last breath While they fought for our freedom; they fought to their death.

Thinking Back

FC 11 J-19

14

Billy James

Chuck Remembers Dixie

Old Chuck, he is my partner; I love him plumb to death. He's abeen a real good soldier; his heart's in every breath. We've been in lots of battles, he leads a team of six,

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

1

Billy James

I Rode Old Bossy

You've heard how all them cowboys ride On bullls that's mean, and long and wide. They snort out fire from their nose, Their hooves are steel, the story goes.

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

2

Billy James

Looking For a Cowboy?

If you're gonna think right about cowboys, Then you'd better have his horse in mind, 'Cause a cowoboy in a Model-T or Caddy Is a cowboy of a very different kind.

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

3

Billy James

A Cowboys Biggest Fear

You've heard of how the cowboys life is filled with aches and pains; With sorrows and with bitterness, and yet he still remains

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

6

Billy James

Californ-Ya Cowboy Moon

My home was out in Tejas land (That's Friendly to you all.) I lived there 'till I passed my teens, Then it was in the fall

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

8

Billy James

My Wife

I roped this filly soft as down, And warm as sunshine on the ground, Eyes as blue as morning sky, Cheeks as sweet as cherry pie.

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

9

Billy James

A Cowboy's Hat

A cowboy's hat's a precious thing; It's always on his head, "cept when some wild bronc bucks him moff, Or when he goes to bed.

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

13

Billy James

Twenty-Nine

I threw my saddle in the door and tried to snag a rung; I missed that car but caught the next, and in the door I swung.

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

17

Billy James

The Really Shortest Cowboy Poem

I got To go; I shot My toe.

Cowboying

FC 11 J-18

19

Billy James

Cowboy Dreams

Breathe deep those beams of sunset While they blush so quick away; Then gaze on horses heart beats While they munch on their oat hay. Hold tight those shadows in your hands,

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

1

Billy James

I Can't Make Horses

I can't make horses, So, I guess, I can't get in the game. I stretched a fence from here to there; And when the north winds came.

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

3

Billy James

Mending Fences

You've got to dig them holes down deep So fence posts can stand tall. You need hard wood that's straight and straong So they won't lean or fall. You've got to stretch that wire real tight

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

5

Billy James

Naming the Cows

These cattle here before me, I like to give 'em names. Oh I don't call 'em John or George or Sam or Ralph or James.

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

7

Billy James

Riding Fences

I punched the holes and set the posts. With worn out gloves and pliers rusted I stretched the wire from here to there My job was good is what I trusted.

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

9

Billy James

If You Need Somebody

I am just a lonesome ol' cowpoke, A hired hand; And I know that you and your daddy Own this land. i punch cows and stretchout the fences For my pay.

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

11

Billy James

Conversation With an Ant

Me and the boys had gone one night Down into town, and was we tight! We drank so much of that town's booze I thought our way back home we'd lose. If my horse hadn't known the way, I surely would 'a had to stay.

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

15

Billy James

Someday, Goodbye

Someday, you're going to tell me goodbye; someday you're going to walk out that door; Someday, you're going to make me cry 'Cause I won't have your love anymore

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

17

Billy James

That Little Bird

It must have been that little bird, my son once said to me. I had to smile a little bit at him, he's only three. But we dismounted, grabbed our hats

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

19

Billy James

Last Trip

My last trip into town Was a bust all aroun' Because my ol' Ford pickup got stuck, So I saddled my horse; I was thinking, or course,

On the Ranch

FC 11 J-20

24

Billy James

The Cows are Coming Home

The cows are coming home, my son, and have been since that day I tied your shoes and made a vow: 'Til then that knot would stay.

On the Trail

FC 11 J-21

1

Billy James

Where's the Wranglers

Roundup time! But where's the wranglers? Look around, there's just a few. Send them out and call for others. There's plenty work for all to do. See them cows out there a grazin'.

On the Trail

FC 11 J-21

2

Billy James

His Promise

He promised he would come into our campif we would wait; But it's a getting' darker and it might be just too late. He said that he would hire us, give instructions for our ride;

On the Trail

FC 11 J-21

5

Billy James

I Remember Mama Baking

When cowboys go out on the trail, They think a lot, and without fail They think about what they left at home Like soap, or socks or brush and comb.

On the Trail

FC 11 J-21

7

Billy James

A Cowboy Sunset

Today the sun was sinking in the west; And as it sank, its beams spread out around The herd of cattle as they looked for rest. It peeked beneath the trees to spy the ground.