A Poem

Cowboy Night Before Christmas

Onward came the cowboy, came from afar

Curiously following the glow of a star

Arrived at the livery, a place for his horse

Few extra oats on a chilly night, of course

Told the stable man, thanks for the light

Lit the desert nicely - such a dark night

The man just grinned and said with a nod

Sir, it ‘twas not me - I believe it was God!

Between a burro and sheep freshly shorn

Cooed a little baby, not long ago born

Parents huddled, three men gathered round

Gazed lovingly at a babe on the ground

Cowboy was curious as men usually are

Knew right there, the purpose of the star

No doubt in his mind, that he was on hand,

To witness a miracle - worlds only perfect man

The Babe stared at him, right into his soul

Knew all about him, but how did he know?

Piercing blue eyes that seemed to speak

Cowboy got a message - knees grew weak

Then a horse rip-snorted, he sat right up in bed

Guess he’d been dreamin’, twas all in his head

Jumped up with a start, realizing the dream

It seemed so real, these things that he’d seen

A voice came to him from deep within

Cowboy - past is gone, you are forgiven

Trust your instincts inside - I put ‘em there,

Remember I’m with you, here and everywhere

Tend your horses, cattle and your fellow man

For to do right by me, treat ‘em best as you can

He pondered a while the message received

Shore enough a miracle, is what he believed

It rattled round in his head loud and clear

Help your fellow man - both far and near

Remember now, to be kind to children

Care for your soul, you must make amends

Cowboy resolved to do better, best he could

The world surely needs, a bit more good

Then he felt warm and fuzzy all over

Like a wild horse herd, knee deep in clover

He sat there a-rubbin’ grog from his eyes

Looks to the window - saw another surprise

Perched on the sill - a snow-white Dove

Knows it has to be, a sign from above

Cowboy smiled, thought man what a night

Dove then nodded and took off in flight

Twas no use a-trying to sleep after that

Got up, got dressed - stuffed on his hat

As he passed the calendar - on the wall

December 25^th - well don’t that beat all?

Out in the barn, it’s time to throw feed

Horse is sweaty, what’s wrong with the steed

Why he’s been ridden, evidence clear showed

Looks to the bin – why oats have been throwed

A cold winter chill, straight down the spine

Knew then he’d encountered  - something Divine! 

Jim Olson © 2011