FOLK COLLECTION 11: The Skaggs Foundation Cowboy Poetry Collection

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

117

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Would You Trade Places?

With millions of starving people, on the other side of the globe; Fully dressed, they're draped in rags, or tattered and torn robe; Their home is where they pitch their tent, moving with the supply of food; While we don't even clean up our plate, to say the least, is rude!

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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118

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Together Forty Years

It's forty years, my darling since we said the words, "I Do." How time has passed so quickly, why these forty years just flew! And as I look back over time and the trails I chose or took; I made a million errors, Dear, they're enough to write a book! I've used you and abused you, with harsh words when tempers flare;

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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119

E.W. "Roy" Miller

My Prayer

When on earth out time is up and death will take its roll, I pray the good Lord up above will have mercy on my soul. I've prayed that God will spare me, when my battle has been fought, that I have my "house in order," and not in sin be caught. I pray to God Almighty, when I take the last step of the way;

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

121

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Let's Count Our Blessings

I kinda' had the blues one day, when things weren't going right, feelin' sorry for myself, with money always right. While some of us have nothing much, and others have great wealth, I realized I was fortunate, at least I had my health! I got to reminiscing, thinking back is what I means.

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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123

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Payin' Through The Nose - Literally

Now, I don't claim to be a hog man, although I've owned a few; And I've had some sad experiences I'll just relate to you. Now, you know dogs have different traits, I'm sure you will agree; I thought the same applied to hogs, you could have fooled me!

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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124

E.W. "Roy" Miller

How The Flies

Have you ever stopped to ponder, or think of how time flies; How we are getting older, regardless of what one tries. How we are getting withered, or perhaps are turning grey; How we begin to tire, and look for close of day. Remember when the two of you, you and your lovely spouse;

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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126

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Fifty Years Of Married Blitz

Fifty, happy years ago Dick and Ruth said the words, " I Do." On October 13th of 1956, how those fifty years have flew! And during theses years, united as one, raised a beautiful fam-il-ee and later on grandchildren came, adding to the family tree. After they all were raised and gone, Dick and Ruth got itchy feet

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

127

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Today

Today I'm going to try to curb, my every single thought; Try real hard to remember, the things that I was taught. Be honest, sincere, friendly, sympathetic, kind and good; And maybe give a helping hand, just like a neighbor should.

I'm going to watch my every word, and

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

129

E.W. "Roy" Miller

My Other Daughter

With my precious wife of forty-seven years, together, raised a family of four; I'm grateful to have had that many, yet I'm glad there weren't anymore! Two sons we're very proud of and tow daughters, we're very proud of too we couldn't have done any better, regardless of what we'd do! But there is another one they call her our daughter-in-law;

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

129

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Thank You, Father

Thank You, Dear Father, for your goodness today! For countless blessings, we enjoy on our way! For daily forgiveness, for your mercy and grace! For strength and for wisdom, as life's burdens we face! For knowledge and guidance, as we travel Life's road!

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

131

E.W. "Roy" Miller

One Advantage Of Being Blind

Have you ever talked with someone, who was born without their sight; All they know is what they see, like the darkness of the night. The beauty that these folks enjoy, is brought by you and me; They form their opinion, on what we project, don't you see.

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

131

E.W. "Roy" Miller

What's In A Name?

Now, you may not believe this story, but it's straight from the horse's mouth; From my home state of South Dakota, Nebraska lies just to the south. And there in the small town of Fairmont where the Chapmans used to reside. I'll tell you an amazing lifestyle, but I guess I'll let you decide. Edith Mae definitely had a gift for rhyme

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

133

E.W. "Roy" Miller

The Syson Family

I came across the neatest family and I'll tell you about each one; I'll start in with the youngest - Levi is the youngest son. Then one day I range the doorbell and the door swung open wide; From behind it came out Christopher and he'd no longer hide. Then the third one is Nikolas "NIk"

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

134

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Thank You, Lord, Thank You!

When God looked down from Heaven and saw the likes of me he shook his head disgustingly and decide then that he must search the wide world over to find the perfect mate so he picked this "special person" and then at any rate. He arranged for us a meeting and

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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136

E.W. "Roy" Miller

My Other Brother

I was one of five boys so of course I had four brothers, Each in his own way was different from the others. Poor Merle met with cancer and fought it thirteen years. For it to run in the family was one of our greatest fears! But by God's amazing grace, so far there's no sign.

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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137

E.W. "Roy" Miller

To "My Sister" I Never Had

I've thought of you so often since Doug told us of your ills, I suppose you will need surgery, drugs, and rest and pills; and since you are so special every day I am in prayer, Ad if this had to happen, I'm grateful that you're there. There with your loving daughter and precious grand kids too

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

138

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Two Different Happenings

Nine-Eleven was a terrible event, We all would like to forget! Thousands killed, hurt, or crippled for life. Unpleasant memories galore and yet. Our thought go back continuously to those, Who willingly gave up their lives! Trying to save those covered by debris, the husbands, their children, their wives!

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

139

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Ungratefulness

I kept my steers at Jim's arena and I had my tractor there because while cleanin' the corral it saved some wear and tear; A few swipes with the loader would save a lot of time and easy movin' big round bales I'll bet you a dime. After ropin' there all summer I took my tractor back

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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141

E.W. "Roy" Miller

A Talk With God

"What have you done with your life?" He asked me. "Have you used the talents I have given to thee?" I looked to the Heavens, and I thought for awhile; "Well, I think I have," I said with a smile! "I've written alot in the past thirty years;

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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142

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Birds

Sometimes I get to wondering, when I think of birds that fly; Why some will barely "top" the tees, while others soar real high. Why some flap their wings a while, and then perhaps will glide; I love to watch the geese fly, in formation, and with pride! I've seen the big hawk take a dive,

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

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144

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Happy Birthday Charlie, My Love

To the "kids" in our family and those who have joined it. How do I say this? Where do I start? I cut his out of the paper in Maui when we were there 'cause it sure touched my heart! I'm assuming that Charlie was killed or had died

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

145

E.W. "Roy" Miller

The Variation Of The Wind

Have you ever watched the wind blow, or a gentle little breeze; It's really fascinating, to watch the swayin' of the trees. Sometimes it's just a whisper, to cool the noon-day heat; and when you pull your boots off, it will sooth your burning feet; Sometimes the gusts will scurry up,

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

147

E.W. "Roy" Miller

A Cowboy Prays

Dear God, up in Heaven, way up in the sky, I want to stop and visit you, from this hilltop high. As I admire your handwork, and by this spectacular view, I feel just as close to you, Lord, as those in churches do. It's quiet here and peaceful, I can really meditate;

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

148

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Promise Keepers '95

In the year of 1990 while divin' down the road; God laid a burden on his heart and the seed indeed was sowed! Colorado University's football coach, Bill McCartey is his name; Listened to that still small voice and planned a different game! It was to fill CU's Folsom field with 50,000 men

75 Years! My Time In Rhyme

FC 11 M-65

149

E.W. "Roy" Miller

Dear John

I'm sorry to have to inform you. this sad story which now I'll relate; I've fallen in love with your girlfriend, so just cancel your wedding date! It's not easy for me to tell you this, I don't mean to be breaking your heart when she gave me my first haircut, it was love from the very start. She's definitely not hard to look at and