Cowboy Faith & Prayers

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0408dfc3.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1188d680.jpg" border=0 width="141" height="104" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>A Collection of Cowboy Inspiration</B></div> <div> <B>Edited by Gene O'Quinn</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Out in the Fields with God</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div> Anonymous<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" >  </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>The little cares that fretted me </B></div> <div> <B>I lost them yesterday </B></div> <div> <B>Among the fields, above the sea, </B></div> <div> <B>Among the winds at play, </B></div> <div> <B>Among the lowing of the herds, </B></div> <div> <B>The rustling of the trees, </B></div> <div> <B>Among the singing of the birds, </B></div> <div> <B>The humming of the bees. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The foolish fears of what might happen, </B></div> <div> <B>I cast them all away, </B></div> <div> <B>Among the clover-scented grass, </B></div> <div> <B>Among the new-mown hay, </B></div> <div> <B>Among the husking of the corn, </B></div> <div> <B>Where drowsy poppies nod, </B></div> <div> <B>Where ill thoughts die and good are born-- </B></div> <div> <B>Out in the fields with God.</B></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0418dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B>GENE O'QUINN'S RIVER BOTTOM POETRY</B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>    |    </B></FONT><B> </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Classic"><U>Classic</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="My Poetry"><U>My Poetry</U></A>   |   <B>Cowboy Faith & Prayers</B>   |   <A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Favorite Poetry"><U>Favorite Poetry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Texas Cowboy Poet Index"><U>Texas Cowboy Poet Index</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id28.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Campfire Magic"><U>Campfire Magic</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Elton Runneberg"><U>Elton Runneberg</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fiddles"><U>Fiddles</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0418dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Cowboy Faith & Prayers</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>“A Cowboy Never Stands as Tall,</B></div> <div> <B> as When He is on His Knees”</B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1166d920.jpg" border=0 width="109" height="146" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <B>Rev. M. B. Pool, </B></div> <div> <B>Pastor, First Assembly of God, </B></div> <div> <B>Humble, Texas</B></div> <div> <I><B>The quote above was used by Brother Milton Pool in his sermon on October 13, 2002.  It was an analogy of the Hollywood depiction of the brave western gunfighter that bolstered his confidence with a stiff drink before facing the bad guy.  While the faithful sidekick dropped to his knees and prayed…</B></I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>THE COLLECTION INDEX</B></div> <div> <B>[Click on underlined poems to read the poem]</B></div> <div> <B>[Highlighted poem titles are linked to CowboyPoetry.com]</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#answered_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Answered Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B></FONT>© Chris Isaacs, “<I>Rhymes and Reasons and Packsaddle Proverbs</I>”</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#the_big_boss_1" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Big Boss</B></U></A><B> - </B></FONT>Fred Engel, “<I>Remuda Dust</I>”</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed"><U><B>Blessed - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed"><U>J</U></A><A HREF="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed"><U>. </U></A><A HREF="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.wf.quik.com/~doublegl/blessed"><U>D. Evans</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_bronco_twister_s_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Bronco Twister's Prayer</B></U></A><B> </B><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Bruce Kiskaddon </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.northpolewest.com/busted.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.northpolewest.com/busted.html"><U><B>A Busted Cowboy's Christmas - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.northpolewest.com/busted.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.northpolewest.com/busted.html"><U>Iyam B Usted *</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <B>Christian Cowboy Prayer - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >©  J.D. Kunze</FONT><B> </B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://clantongang.com/oldwest/poem1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://clantongang.com/oldwest/poem1.htm"><U><B>Cowboy Blessing</B></U></A><B> </B></FONT><B>- </B>© Anne Slade</div> <div> <B>Cowboy Prayer - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author unknown</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_cowboy_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Cowboy Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author unknown, </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_cowboy_prayer_" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Cowboy Prayer </B></U></A><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Charles Badger Clark, Jr., </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_cowboy_s_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Curley Fletcher</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ourchurch.com/member/b/BrothersKeepers/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ourchurch.com/member/b/Brothe"><U><B>Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author Unknown</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#cowboy_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author unknown</FONT></div> <div> <B>Cowboy's Prayer - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author unknown</FONT><B> </B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/johnnyeaton.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/johnnyeaton."><U><B>Cowboy's Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/johnnyeaton.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/johnnyeaton."><U>© 2002, John D. Eaton</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/fredortiz.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/fredortiz.ht"><U><B>Cowboy's Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/fredortiz.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/fredortiz.ht"><U>© 2002, Cowboy Fred Ortiz</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cowboysprayer.com/cowboysprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboysprayer.com/cowboyspray"><U><B>Cowboy's Prayer  </B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.cowboysprayer.com/cowboysprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboysprayer.com/cowboyspray"><U><B>- </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboysprayer.com/cowboysprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboysprayer.com/cowboyspray"><U>© Doyle R. “Buddy” Quinn, I.</U></A> </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer_1" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>A Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author Unknown</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarrier.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarri"><U><B>A Cowboy's Prayer - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarrier.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarri"><U>©</U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarrier.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarri"><U> </U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarrier.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarri"><U>Timothy Carrier</U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarrier.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/timothycarri"><U><B> </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >Cowboy Poetry.com</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>A Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >© J. S. Hurst</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0104/bbpray.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0104/bb"><U><B>A Cowboy's Prayer - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0104/bbpray.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.usscouts.org/bbugle/bb0104/bb"><U>Roy Rogers</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer_2" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>A Cowboy's Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer_2" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U>© Lloyd Shelby, “</U></A><A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer_2" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><I>Rainman</I></U></A><A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer_2" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U>”</U></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/ho1.htm#gtb" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/ho1.htm#gtb"><U><B>A Cowboy's Christmas Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/ho1.htm#gtb" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/ho1.htm#gtb"><U>© Gail T. Burton</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="#a_cowboy_at_prayer_" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>A Cowboy At Prayer </B></U></A><B> </B>- <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >© Rod Nichols</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyp"><U><B>Cowboy Checkin' In - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyp"><U>Author</U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyp"><U><B> </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyprayer.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.christinyou.net/pages/cowboyp"><U>Unknown, </U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.akmoss.com/excerpts.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.akmoss.com/excerpts.htm"><U><B>Cowboy Thanks - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.akmoss.com/excerpts.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.akmoss.com/excerpts.htm"><U>A. Kathy Moss</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_prayer___under_the_western" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>A Cowboy's Prayer </B></U></A><B>- Under the Western Sky - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author unknown</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#a_cowboy_s_christmas_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>A Cowboy's Christmas Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >S. Omar Barker</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jeffburkhart.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jeffburkhart"><U><B>A Cowhand's Prayer - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jeffburkhart.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jeffburkhart"><U>© 1996  Jeff Burkhart</U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jeffburkhart.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jeffburkhart"><U><B> </B></U></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >Cowboy Poetry.com</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#the_cowman_s_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Cowman's Prayer </B></U></A><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Author unknown</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#earl_s_thanksgiving_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Earl's Thanksgiving Prayer - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#earl_s_thanksgiving_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U>© 1999 David Kelley</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#that_fateful_day_" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>That Fateful Day </B></U></A></FONT>- ©  Woody Woodruff</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#going_home__1" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Going Home </B></U></A><B>- </B></FONT> ©  Donna Hatton</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jlevilapp.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jlevilapp.ht"><U><B>Heaven's Horse - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jlevilapp.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/jlevilapp.ht"><U>© 2002, J. Levi Lapp</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/gdonensminger.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/gdonensminge"><U><B>I'm a Better Man, Boss - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/gdonensminger.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/gdonensminge"><U>© 2001, G. Don Ensminger</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/rickmartinez.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/rickmartinez"><U><B>Last Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/rickmartinez.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/rickmartinez"><U>© 200, Rick Martinez</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/crusade.htm#Pard" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/crusade.htm#"><U><B>A Little Argument with the Lord - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/crusade.htm#Pard" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/crusade.htm#"><U>© J. D. Reitz,</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="#the_little_cowboy_s_prayer__1" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Little Cowboy's Prayer </B></U></A><B> </B><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >© Linda Kirkpatrick</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.yodelers.com/winner.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yodelers.com/winner.htm"><U><B>A Li'l Cowpoke's Christmas Prayer</B></U></A><A HREF="http://www.yodelers.com/winner.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yodelers.com/winner.htm"><U>.- </U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.yodelers.com/winner.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yodelers.com/winner.htm"><U>©  Jonathan W. Messenger</U></A> </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#looking_for_work" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Looking For Work</B></U></A><B> </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- Pecos Higgins   </FONT></div> <div> <B>Old Cowboy's Prayer - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >© Les McDowell </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#an_old_cowboy_s_prayer____________" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>An Old Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><A HREF="#an_old_cowboy_s_prayer____________" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B> - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="#an_old_cowboy_s_prayer____________" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U>Author unknown</U></A></FONT><A HREF="#an_old_cowboy_s_prayer____________" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B> </B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="#an_old_cowboy_s_prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>An Old Cowboy's Prayer</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Nona Kelly Carver</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#prairie_god" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Prairie God</B></U></A> <B>-</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Janice Chapman</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/hoss.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/hoss.htm"><U><B>A Prayer for Man and Horse -</B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/hoss.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/hoss.htm"><U> H. J. "Hoss" Peterson</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="#prayer" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Prayer</B></U></A><B> </B><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >© Rod Nichols, “<I>A Little Bit of Texas</I>”</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.trcperformancehorses.com/prayin_for_ya_cowboy.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.trcperformancehorses.com/pray"><U><B>Prayin For Ya Cowboy - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.trcperformancehorses.com/prayin_for_ya_cowboy.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.trcperformancehorses.com/pray"><U>© 2000 Darla Fisher Wilson</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/samdDeLeeuw.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/samdDeLeeuw."><U><B>Prayer of a Rancher's Wife - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/samdDeLeeuw.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/samdDeLeeuw."><U>© 2002, Brenda "Sam" DeLeeuw</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/michaelhenley.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/michaelhenle"><U><B>Rancher's Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/michaelhenley.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/michaelhenle"><U>© 2002, Michael Henley</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/js.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/js.htm"><U><B>Rainy Day Prayer - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/js.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/js.htm"><U>© Jay Snider</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pray0094.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pra"><U><B>A Rodeo Cowboy's Prayer - </B></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pray0094.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/pra"><U>©  Clem McSpadden</U></A></FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/floydbeard.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/floydbeard.h"><U><B>A Talk on the Rim - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/floydbeard.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/floydbeard.h"><U>© Floyd E. Beard,</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="#simple_tastes" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Simple Tastes</B></U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - </FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Gene O'Quinn, 2003</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/edkeenan.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/edkeenan.htm"><U><B>Thankful Cowboy - </B></U></A></FONT><A HREF="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/edkeenan.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.cowboypoetry.com/edkeenan.htm"><U>© 2000, Ed Keenan,</U></A> Cowboy Poetry.com</div> <div> <A HREF="#thanks__the_old_cowboy_s_prayer__1" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>Thanks (The Old Cowboy's Prayer)</B></U></A><B> </B><B>- </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Curley Jim Musgrave</FONT></div> <div> <B>Thanksgiving - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >Charles Badger Clark, Jr</FONT>., <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >“Sky Lines and Wood Smoke”</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Arial" ><B>        </B></FONT><A HREF="#_winds_of_change_" TITLE="Cowboy Faith Prayers"><U><B>The Winds of Change</B></U></A><B> - </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#111111" FACE="Arial" >Gene O'Quinn</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_cowboy_prayer_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>THE COWBOY PRAYER </B></FONT></div> <div> Charles Badger Clark, Jr.</div> <div> © The Badger Clark Memorial Society<FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >   </FONT></div> <div> <B>Probably the most widely quoted and published Cowboy Poem In America;</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oh Lord, I've never lived where churches grow. </B></div> <div> <B>I love the creation better as it stood </B></div> <div> <B>That day You finished it so long ago </B></div> <div> <B>And looked upon your work and called it good. </B></div> <div> <B>I know that others find you in the light </B></div> <div> <B>That's sifted down through window panes, </B></div> <div> <B>and yet I seem to feel You near tonight </B></div> <div> <B>in this dim, quiet starlight on the plains. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Let me be easy on the man that's down; </B></div> <div> <B>Let me be square and generous with all. </B></div> <div> <B>I'm careless sometimes, Lord, when I'm in town, </B></div> <div> <B>But never let them say I'm mean or small! </B></div> <div> <B>Make me big and open as the plains, </B></div> <div> <B>As honest as the hoss between my knees, </B></div> <div> <B>Clean as the wind that blows behind the rains, </B></div> <div> <B>Free as the hawk that circles down the breeze! </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I thank You, Lord, that I am placed so well, </B></div> <div> <B>That You have made my freedom so complete; </B></div> <div> <B>That I'm no slave of whistle, clock or bell, </B></div> <div> <B>Nor weak-eyed prisoner of wall and street. </B></div> <div> <B>Just let me live my life as I've begun </B></div> <div> <B>And give me work that's open to the sky; </B></div> <div> <B>Make me a pardner of the wind and sun, </B></div> <div> <B>And I won't ask for a life that's soft or high. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Forgive me Lord, if I sometimes forget. </B></div> <div> <B>You know about the reasons that are hid. </B></div> <div> <B>You understand the things that gall and fret; </B></div> <div> <B>You know me better than my mother did. </B></div> <div> <B>Just keep and eye on all that's done and said </B></div> <div> <B>And right me, sometimes, when I turn aside, </B></div> <div> <B>And guide me on the long, dim trail ahead </B></div> <div> <B>That stretches upward toward the Great Divide.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_cowboy_s_christmas_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>A Cowboy's Christmas Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>S. Omar Barker</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I ain't much good at prayin', and You may not know me, Lord--</B></div> <div> <B>I ain't much seen in churches where they preach Thy Holy Word, </B></div> <div> <B>But You may have observed me out here on the lonely plains, </B></div> <div> <B>A-lookin' after cattle, feelin' thankful when it rains, </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Admirin' Thy great handiwork, the miracle of grass, </B></div> <div> <B>Aware of Thy kind Spirit in the way it comes to pass </B></div> <div> <B>That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend </B></div> <div> <B>Can look up at the stars at night and know we've got a Friend. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again </B></div> <div> <B>Of Him whose comin' brought goodwill into the hearts of men. </B></div> <div> <B>A cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer, </B></div> <div> <B>I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Don't let no hearts be bitter, Lord; don't let no child be cold. </B></div> <div> <B>Make easy beds for them that's sick, and them that's weak and old. </B></div> <div> <B>Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after, </B></div> <div> <B>And sorta keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I've seen old cows a-starvin', and it ain't no pretty sight: </B></div> <div> <B>Please don't leave no one hungry, Lord, On Thy good Christmas night--</B></div> <div> <B>No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet-- </B></div> <div> <B>I'll aim to do my best to help You find 'em chuck to eat. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord,--ain't got no business prayin'-- </B></div> <div> <B>But still I hope You'll ketch a word or two of what I'm a-sayin': </B></div> <div> <B>We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord--I reckon You'll agree </B></div> <div> <B>There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So one thing more I'll ask You, Lord: just help us what You can </B></div> <div> <B>To save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_cowboy_at_prayer_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>A Cowboy At Prayer</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Rod Nichols (c) 2004 used by permission.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A cowboy sat stirrin' a campfire, </B></div> <div> <B>as sparks and smoke rose in the night, </B></div> <div> <B>alone on a prairie for hundreds of miles, </B></div> <div> <B>from heaven, a pinpoint of light. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He listened to sounds on the night wind, </B></div> <div> <B>some close and now driftin' away. </B></div> <div> <B>He thought of the son he was missin' tonight </B></div> <div> <B>and lowered his head, then, to pray. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>By a monitor station in NASA, </B></div> <div> <B>a young engineer looked at lights, </B></div> <div> <B>received from a satellite's cam'ra </B></div> <div> <B>recording the path of its flight. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He heard the Director explaining </B></div> <div> <B>to the current Commander-In-Chief, </B></div> <div> <B>"The cam'ra is so sharply focused, </B></div> <div> <B>it can show a man's face in relief. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The President looked at the image. </B></div> <div> <B>The Earth seemed all lit up by night, </B></div> <div> <B>except for a fairly dark region </B></div> <div> <B>and one tiny pinpoint of light. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"Zoom in on that one darkened section. </B></div> <div> <B>Let's see what your cam'ra can do." </B></div> <div> <B>The engineer did as was ordered, </B></div> <div> <B>a cowboy, at prayer, came in view. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"Just where is that image located?" </B></div> <div> <B>"A prairie down in the Southwest," </B></div> <div> <B>"Texas," affirmed the Director, </B></div> <div> <B>"most likely a drifter's my guess." </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"No, sir," said the stunned engineer, now, </B></div> <div> <B>"I don't know how I can explain. </B></div> <div> <B>That cowboy, at prayer, is my father, </B></div> <div> <B>where we used to camp on that plain." </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The President pondered a moment. </B></div> <div> <B>"It's more than a man could expect. </B></div> <div> <B>Between those two worlds of a cowboy and space, </B></div> <div> <B>the Lord found a way to connect. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A cowboy sat stirrin' a campfire, </B></div> <div> <B>as sparks and smoke rose in the night, </B></div> <div> <B>alone on a prairie for hundreds of miles, </B></div> <div> <B>from heaven, a pinpoint of light. </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="prairie_god"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Prairie God</B></div> <div> <B>by Janice Chapman, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A cowboy lives mostly on the prairie </B></div> <div> <B>Where wives are far and few. </B></div> <div> <B>And children he may never see, </B></div> <div> <B>Though he lives his whole life through.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>News from town is seldom heard, </B></div> <div> <B>And if so, by a passerby -- </B></div> <div> <B>Who - knowin' he's a stranger to you, </B></div> <div> <B>Is just as apt to lie.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He hung his spurs on his saddle horn, </B></div> <div> <B>His clothes were not the best. </B></div> <div> <B>But they were all he had to wear, </B></div> <div> <B>He couldn't help the way he dressed. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He walked with light foot steps </B></div> <div> <B>As he entered the building there. </B></div> <div> <B>The sermon was already over, </B></div> <div> <B>Their heads were bowed in prayer. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A board creaked as he stepped inside, </B></div> <div> <B>And some folks looked his way, </B></div> <div> <B>But he noted that the preacher </B></div> <div> <B>Continued still to pray. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It wasn't until the prayer was finished </B></div> <div> <B>The preacher looked up and saw, </B></div> <div> <B>And old man standing in the back </B></div> <div> <B>His hat in hand wearing an old mackinaw. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"Welcome to our house," he said, </B></div> <div> <B>"I'm afraid our services are already through, </B></div> <div> <B>I don't think I've seen you before, </B></div> <div> <B>I guess you're someone new." </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>His voice dry from little use, </B></div> <div> <B>As he started with his spiel, </B></div> <div> <B>And few were those who doubted what he said, </B></div> <div> <B>Or that it wasn't real. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"Whether it's in the forest dim and old, </B></div> <div> <B>Or across the rolling prairie green, </B></div> <div> <B>You can look around the range anywhere, </B></div> <div> <B>And there the Lord's work can be seen. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I ain't dressed like some of you, </B></div> <div> <B>And of you I don't know any. </B></div> <div> <B>But to me from the looks of things </B></div> <div> <B>The Lord has blessed you plenty. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I just heard you prayin' for things </B></div> <div> <B>About which I don't agree. </B></div> <div> <B>But then...I'm old -- </B></div> <div> <B>Like the forest and the tree. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My wants are very few -- </B></div> <div> <B>On the prairie I don't need much. </B></div> <div> <B>But now and then of the Lord, </B></div> <div> <B>I'll ask for just His touch. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My heart is gladdened by </B></div> <div> <B>The numbers in your pews, </B></div> <div> <B>For to me the calling of the Lord </B></div> <div> <B>Is always good news! </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>But to say 'Services are over' </B></div> <div> <B>I think is such poor taste. </B></div> <div> <B>My Lord always lingers -- </B></div> <div> <B>He never leaves in haste. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And whether in the forest dim and old, </B></div> <div> <B>Or out on the rollin' prairie green, </B></div> <div> <B>I'd still rather live my life, friends, </B></div> <div> <B>Where my God can be felt and seen." </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Saying such he turned to go, </B></div> <div> <B>And was heard to mutter on his way out, </B></div> <div> <B>"If services are over, Lord, </B></div> <div> <B>These good folks ain't found You out."</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="that_fateful_day_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>That Fateful Day </B></div> <div> <B>© 3/28/2002, Woody Woodruff, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I was ridin' in from checkin' fence</B></div> <div> <B>It was gettin' sorta late</B></div> <div> <B>I decided to cross the ridge through the Aspen grove</B></div> <div> <B>A short cut to our gate</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>As the Bay brought me to the top</B></div> <div> <B>In the shadows I saw a man</B></div> <div> <B>He looked as if he was talkin'</B></div> <div> <B>By the way he moved his hands</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Yet, he stood there all alone</B></div> <div> <B>His head pointed towards the sky</B></div> <div> <B>I reined the Bay up to a halt</B></div> <div> <B>And didn't pass him by</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>It was then, I realized it was Bill</B></div> <div> <B>An old cowhand from the ranch</B></div> <div> <B>I pulled the Bay up near a tree</B></div> <div> <B>And hid there behind a branch</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>In the silence I could hear him speak</B></div> <div> <B>I'll never forget what he had to say</B></div> <div> <B>Bill was talkin' man to man with God</B></div> <div> <B>These are the words I hear him say</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Lord, he said, it's old Bill here</B></div> <div> <B>I know it's been quite awhile</B></div> <div> <B>I used to think that prayin'</B></div> <div> <B>Well, that prayin' just weren't my style</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Somehow I've always had the notion</B></div> <div> <B>To pray you were askin' for favors and such</B></div> <div> <B>So I never got into the habit</B></div> <div> <B>I always seemed to have so much</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Then the other day I got to thinkin'</B></div> <div> <B>How you've blessed me everyday</B></div> <div> <B>That even through the hardest times</B></div> <div> <B>You never once did stray</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Yes Sir, you've stayed right here with me</B></div> <div> <B>Through all my 80 years</B></div> <div> <B>The words Bill were sayin'</B></div> <div> <B>They brought me near to tears</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Bill said, Lord, I haven't come to ask for favors</B></div> <div> <B>It's thanks I've come to say</B></div> <div> <B>For all the deeds you've done for me</B></div> <div> <B>And never once asked for pay</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>I, thank you Lord for this Aspen grove</B></div> <div> <B>For the blue up in the sky</B></div> <div> <B>The tall grass down in the meadow</B></div> <div> <B>The clear water that passes by</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you Lord for the mountains high</B></div> <div> <B>Their peaks covered a snowy white</B></div> <div> <B>For all the stars each night that shine</B></div> <div> <B>It's such a beautiful sight</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>The mustangs runnin' free on the range</B></div> <div> <B>The mavericks we gather in early spring</B></div> <div> <B>The Eagle soaring above my head</B></div> <div> <B>Lord, I thank you for everything</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for all the good friends I've had</B></div> <div> <B>Through the years I've had quite a few</B></div> <div> <B>As I get older, I now understand</B></div> <div> <B>They were there because of you</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Lord, I thank you most for my 80 years</B></div> <div> <B>And the few I have left to go</B></div> <div> <B>And Lord, thank you for lettin' me cowboy</B></div> <div> <B>I've truly loved it so</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>With that Bill mounted up, then headed off</B></div> <div> <B>Leavin' me...my eyes wide open to see</B></div> <div> <B>For until then I just took things for granted</B></div> <div> <B>That day...I came to believe</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>It's been nearly forty years now</B></div> <div> <B>Since Bill stood in that grove of trees</B></div> <div> <B>But, his words are still here with me</B></div> <div> <B>I hope they never leave</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Like Bill, I too am so thankful</B></div> <div> <B>For oh so very much</B></div> <div> <B>And ever since that Fateful Day</B></div> <div> <B>Me and the Lord...we stay in touch.</B></div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>P</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>rayer</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>© Rod Nichols, “A Little Bit of Texas”, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dear Lord it's me beneath this tree</B></div> <div> <B>and I guess we'd better talk;</B></div> <div> <B>they're tellin' me that we'll soon meet</B></div> <div> <B>`cause this ticker's `bout to balk.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So it seems to me I'd better see</B></div> <div> <B>if a talk might set things straight,</B></div> <div> <B>`fore I come to find I'm out of time</B></div> <div> <B>and I've waited way too late.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>First off why I've never lied</B></div> <div> <B>though I sometimes stretched a thing,</B></div> <div> <B>well maybe a bit when I think on it</B></div> <div> <B>but not for hurt nor gain.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>You know Lord I've worked real hard</B></div> <div> <B>to keep my good name clean,</B></div> <div> <B>no promise spoke was ever broke</B></div> <div> <B>my dad taught me those things.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I can't say I've always prayed</B></div> <div> <B>and my trips to church were few,</B></div> <div> <B>but now I find its quittin' time</B></div> <div> <B>and I don't know what to do.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Confessin's good I've understood</B></div> <div> <B>so I guess it's time I did,</B></div> <div> <B>though I know it's true 'tween me and you</B></div> <div> <B>ain't nothin' can be hid.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And so it's me on bended knee</B></div> <div> <B>and I'm openin' up my heart,</B></div> <div> <B>this cowboy soul is tired and old</B></div> <div> <B>but it's Yours before we part.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_cowboy_s_prayer_2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>A Cowboy's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>© Lloyd Shelby, “</B><I><B>Rainman</B></I><B>”, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A cowboy rode alone one day, </B></div> <div> <B>roundin' up some strays</B></div> <div> <B>When he paused atop a gentle rise, </B></div> <div> <B>where he could see for quite a ways.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>There was hills and valleys, and trees and clouds, </B></div> <div> <B>as far as the eye could see.</B></div> <div> <B>And he began to quietly contemplate, </B></div> <div> <B>just how this came to be.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It didn't look like no accident, </B></div> <div> <B>like some folks tried to teach.</B></div> <div> <B>To think that would take believin', </B></div> <div> <B>against what his mom had always preached!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So he listened to the gentle wind, </B></div> <div> <B>that rustled through the trees,</B></div> <div> <B>And watched a deer go runnin' by, </B></div> <div> <B>as pretty as you please.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He marveled at the hawk up high, </B></div> <div> <B>a ridin' on the air.</B></div> <div> <B>Removin' his hat, he bowed his head, </B></div> <div> <B>and spoke this simple prayer:</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Sir, I don't know much about, </B></div> <div> <B>how this ol' world came to be,</B></div> <div> <B>I just know you seem to care, </B></div> <div> <B>for cowboys just like me.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“So thank you, Sir, for givin' me, </B></div> <div> <B>a place to work and ride,</B></div> <div> <B>Where I can see your handiwork, </B></div> <div> <B>with you right by my side.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“And thank you for that simple book, </B></div> <div> <B>that tells us of your Son,</B></div> <div> <B>You must be really proud of Him, </B></div> <div> <B>and what He went and done.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I'm really proud and humbled, </B></div> <div> <B>`bout what your Book does say,</B></div> <div> <B>`Bout how I can also be your son, </B></div> <div> <B>cause Your's showed us the way.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I know how much you love this place, </B></div> <div> <B>I really love it, too.</B></div> <div> <B>So I'll do my best to care for it, </B></div> <div> <B>in everything I do.”</B></div> <div> <B>        </B></div> <div> <B>“Thanks is not near enough,</B></div> <div> <B>to say how I truly feel.</B></div> <div> <B>But I know you can see my heart, </B></div> <div> <B>and know my words is real.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I gotta go now, Sir, </B></div> <div> <B>and finish out my day.</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks again for all you've done,</B></div> <div> <B>and givin' me my say!”</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="answered_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Answered Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>© Chris Isaacs, “</B><I><B>Rhymes and Reasons and Packsaddle Proverbs</B></I><B>”, used by permission </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>They say the Lord loves little children</B></div> <div> <B>    and I believe that's true,</B></div> <div> <B>I think he understands them</B></div> <div> <B>    and the prayers of kids get through.</B></div> <div> <B>That simple childlike faith is real</B></div> <div> <B>    and the Lord, he understands,</B></div> <div> <B>And He really does hold children</B></div> <div> <B>    in the hollow of his hand.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I remember when my two oldest,</B></div> <div> <B>    [we call `em Sis and Bud]</B></div> <div> <B>Were playing out back by the ditch</B></div> <div> <B>    in the water and the mud.</B></div> <div> <B>Well, Sis came in crying,</B></div> <div> <B>    upset with her little brother;</B></div> <div> <B>And so, like kids are want to do,</B></div> <div> <B>    she went to tell her mother.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Bud locked me in the playhouse, Mom,</B></div> <div> <B>    and he wouldn't let me out.</B></div> <div> <B>I yelled for you or Daddy,</B></div> <div> <B>    but you weren't nowhere about.”</B></div> <div> <B>“Then how'd you get out, sweetheart?”</B></div> <div> <B>    her mother asked so gently,</B></div> <div> <B>Wiping tears from freckled cheeks,</B></div> <div> <B>    and listening intently.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Oh, Heavenly Father helped me out,”</B></div> <div> <B>    came the simple quick response,</B></div> <div> <B>“I prayed and asked Him for some help,</B></div> <div> <B>    just like you told me once.”</B></div> <div> <B>Intrigued, her mom asked,</B></div> <div> <B>    “Well, hon, what happened then?</B></div> <div> <B>Did God come by and unlock the door,</B></div> <div> <B>    and set you free again?”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>With a puzzled look Sis replied,</B></div> <div> <B>    “No, He wasn't anywhere about,</B></div> <div> <B>But He reminded me there was a window,</B></div> <div> <B>    so I went and kicked it out.”</B></div> <div> <B>Happenstance, or a small miracle?</B></div> <div> <B>    I just don't have a clue,</B></div> <div> <B>To that little girl `twas answered prayer,</B></div> <div> <B>    that's for certain and for true.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And I think maybe there's a lesson there</B></div> <div> <B>    for those of us who've grown</B></div> <div> <B>Too wise and smart to listen</B></div> <div> <B>    when God answers from His throne.</B></div> <div> <B>We should be like little children,</B></div> <div> <B>    the way the Lord wants us to be.</B></div> <div> <B>To listen just like kids, when he said,</B></div> <div> <B>    “Let them come unto me.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Lord wants to help us</B></div> <div> <B>    even when we think He's nowhere about,</B></div> <div> <B>If we just bow our heads and ask his help,</B></div> <div> <B>    then kick the window out.</B></div> <div> <B>Dear Heavenly Father, hear my prayer,</B></div> <div> <B>    it comes right from the heart,</B></div> <div> <B>Help me have the faith to ask, Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>    and then be ready to do my part</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="going_home__1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>Going Home</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <I> </I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#9966FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>© 2003 Donna Hatton, used by permission. </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>The cowboy was going home. </B></div> <div> <B>as the sun set behind him, </B></div> <div> <B>he searched for the lights that </B></div> <div> <B>would tell him he was almost there. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>His horse picked her way along </B></div> <div> <B>the trail winding through the canyon </B></div> <div> <B>and he was sure he smelled home </B></div> <div> <B>cooking on the air. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A creek tumbled through the rocks </B></div> <div> <B>and he stopped to wash the dust </B></div> <div> <B>from his face and listened as it </B></div> <div> <B>splashed, chuckling on it's way. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It's song was one more reminder </B></div> <div> <B>of God's magesty and that cowboy </B></div> <div> <B>in humble reverence knelt there on </B></div> <div> <B>his knees to pray. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"Howdy Lord, I have seen some </B></div> <div> <B>mighty fine examples of yore creations </B></div> <div> <B>and well, Lord, I'd be most pleased to </B></div> <div> <B>have the pleasure to shake yore hand. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And you know, I'd like to tell you </B></div> <div> <B>that you shore did out do yoreself </B></div> <div> <B>at shaping these here mountains </B></div> <div> <B>and the canyons of this land. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I've seen grass lands full of cattle </B></div> <div> <B>and them redwood forest with trees </B></div> <div> <B>that durn near reach the heavens and </B></div> <div> <B>are wider than I am tall! </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>There are places out west where cliffs </B></div> <div> <B>are home to eagles and the bottoms </B></div> <div> <B>of those canyons make me feel like, </B></div> <div> <B>well, they do make me feel right small. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Why there's even oceans and lakes </B></div> <div> <B>so deep and cold and dark, that few </B></div> <div> <B>men who have ever gone down into </B></div> <div> <B>those frightful, cheerless, depths. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And Lord, there are those mornings </B></div> <div> <B>when I awake, that I must confess, </B></div> <div> <B>that I can hardly wait til the end of </B></div> <div> <B>day to see one of yore sunsets! </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>There's been glories that was all </B></div> <div> <B>around me...and I hate to admit </B></div> <div> <B>I have just plain been so busy </B></div> <div> <B>there's things I've overlooked. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>But, here I am a Thankin you Lord, </B></div> <div> <B>for yore graciousness and for yore </B></div> <div> <B>blessings, just forgive me for how </B></div> <div> <B>long that I done took." </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Climbing back up on his pony </B></div> <div> <B>he headed on down the steep </B></div> <div> <B>and winding trail, through those </B></div> <div> <B>ancient towering trees. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>His little mare almost dancing </B></div> <div> <B>to the music of that lively little </B></div> <div> <B>creek, as it played a prelude to </B></div> <div> <B>natures mountain rhapsodies. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>How often we let the stresses of </B></div> <div> <B>the day, the bustle of our lives </B></div> <div> <B>drown out the still small voice </B></div> <div> <B>of God, there on the wind. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The voice that gives us comfort </B></div> <div> <B>eases our souls as we ride </B></div> <div> <B>with the One we call our Savior </B></div> <div> <B>and our Friend, </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Who guides us through the </B></div> <div> <B>valleys and the shadows deep, </B></div> <div> <B>beside us on the trails, the places </B></div> <div> <B>that we might roam, </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Only to find, that he's the one </B></div> <div> <B>who's waiting in the doorway </B></div> <div> <B>with the lamp ... lighting our way, </B></div> <div> <B>back Home.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="thanks__the_old_cowboy_s_prayer__1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>Thanks (The Old Cowboy's Prayer)</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>©  1999, Curley Jim Musgrave, used by permission.</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div> <B>Tonight I walked by the bunkhouse</B></div> <div> <B>An' in the dim light by his bed</B></div> <div> <B>That ol' cowboy who still calls me son</B></div> <div> <B>Took off his hat and bowed his head</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He said, I know it's been awhile Lord</B></div> <div> <B>Since I checked in on my knees</B></div> <div> <B>But I often hear your counsel</B></div> <div> <B>As I ride out on the breeze</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>But tonight that sunset you gave me</B></div> <div> <B>In the west Montana sky</B></div> <div> <B>Was the best I can remember</B></div> <div> <B>And so I'm comin' by  t' just say</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Thanks...For lettin' this ol' cowboy live another day</B></div> <div> <B>An' thanks for that Montana sky tonight 'n by the way</B></div> <div> <B>If I never see another, Lord</B></div> <div> <B>I'll die a happy man</B></div> <div> <B>For all the things your give me</B></div> <div> <B>I give my love and thanks</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>An' whilst I'm down here prayin',   I'll give you thanks because</B></div> <div> <B>Of all the rodeos where I come out better than I was</B></div> <div> <B>For loops thrown true and fer givin' me eight</B></div> <div> <B>On broncs and bulls so rank</B></div> <div> <B>Then fer comin' out with all my brains and bones</B></div> <div> <B>Again my thanks</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I know I ain't see church Lord since Christmas o' sixty-three</B></div> <div> <B>But when I'm ridin' herd 'near them Northern lights</B></div> <div> <B>I can feel you touchin' me</B></div> <div> <B>And I see you on each lonely trail where me 'n ol Pony run</B></div> <div> <B>When I catch that coyote on the moon</B></div> <div> <B>Or an eagle agin' the sun</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>An' I hear your voice in the thunder that fills the prairie skies</B></div> <div> <B>Or in the whinny of a newborn colt</B></div> <div> <B>Or when a sleepin' baby sighs</B></div> <div> <B>An' when the Chinook blows warm across the plains</B></div> <div> <B>'N new life fills the land...I don't need a steeple over me</B></div> <div> <B>To see your wondrous hand.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Guess you 'n me's been down this road, Lord</B></div> <div> <B>An' saddle pals so long</B></div> <div> <B>That when it's time to hang my spurs up</B></div> <div> <B>I hope you'll hire me on</B></div> <div> <B>Room 'n board's enough fer wages</B></div> <div> <B>'N with a Stetson fer a crown</B></div> <div> <B>If heaven's like Montana,  I'd be glad to settle down</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Maybe you an' me'll go fishin'</B></div> <div> <B>Or ride a trail along the banks</B></div> <div> <B>But till you send that final sunset</B></div> <div> <B>I'll just say,   Amen...'n thanks</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_little_cowboy_s_prayer__1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Little Cowboy's Prayer </B></FONT></div> <div> <B>© Linda Kirkpatrick, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dear God, this is my prayer before I go to sleep, </B></div> <div> <B>Can I just talk with you awhile,</B></div> <div> <B>Instead of counting sheep? </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>God, please bless this things that are special to me. </B></div> <div> <B>My mom, my dad, my lariat rope, </B></div> <div> <B>And especially bless Thee. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Bless my friends, my horse, my dog and my cat. </B></div> <div> <B>Bless my saddle, spurs, and don't forget </B></div> <div> <B>To bless my brand new hat. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Dear God, are you a cowboy? </B></div> <div> <B>Can you make that eight second ride? </B></div> <div> <B>Do you ride with all the cowboys when they say "Outside!"? </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Thanks for helping with my reading, and especially my math! </B></div> <div> <B>And God, please tell my mom </B></div> <div> <B>That cowboys don't take baths!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="_winds_of_change_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>“Winds of Change”</B></div> <div> <B>Gene O'Quinn, 2002</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Introduction; When a man goes off to war and his son assumes some of his responsibilities, when that father returns, problems may arise.  The time frame for this poem is post Civil War and the inspiration came from a song that I first heard over twenty years ago.</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>His Pa's return brought change, and desiring to roam,</B></div> <div> <B>Mason Quinn rode the range, a boy had left his home.</B></div> <div> <B>Working cattle out west became his vocation,</B></div> <div> <B>and training horses best, was his reputation.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The horse herd was grazing, Quinn stepped down to smoke.</B></div> <div> <B>Across the land gazing, rubbing the arm he'd broke.</B></div> <div> <B>The years been too many, since his freedom he sought;</B></div> <div> <B>Near nineteen or twenty Mason tiredly thought.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When his smoke was finished, he mounted his cayuse.</B></div> <div> <B>All sadness diminished and the stiffness felt loose.</B></div> <div> <B>His pony he urged uphill so that he could see,</B></div> <div> <B>If the herd still merged was drifting easily.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Quinn sat at the ridge crest, watching the horses below,</B></div> <div> <B>When a breeze out of the west bro't a song sweet and low.</B></div> <div> <B>An alto voice lilting clearly and then,</B></div> <div> <B>A tinkling piano, it was a church in the glen.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>“</B></I><I><B>In the very beginning, God had a plan,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>He created all things for the love of a man</B></I><I><B>.”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>In his stirrup Quinn stood, straining to see downhill,</B></div> <div> <B>At a steeple above wood, an open window and sill.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>“</B></I><I><B>The heavens and the earth, all creatures great and small,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>my Father God created them all…, my Father God created them all</B></I><I><B>.”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Quinn sat onto his seat and removed his Stetson,</B></div> <div> <B>Then his heart missed a beat as the singer sang on.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>“Then the</B></I><I><B> f</B></I><I><B>ellowship was broken between God and man.</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>He said I must send a substitute, I already have a plan</B></I><I><B>.”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Mason bowed his head and examined his hand, </B></div> <div> <B>Tho't of his faith now dead, and mopped his sweat band.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>“</B></I><I><B>Then God Himself came down and dwelled in the flesh,</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>He was tempted and tried even unto death,</B></I><I><B>”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>A lump in his throat, then a salty tear Quinn tasted,</B></div> <div> <B>He gazed up in space and tho't of the life he'd wasted.</B></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>“</B></I><I><B>He laid down His life for the love of a man, and all the time, love was his plan,  it was His plan, yes all the time love was His pla</B></I><I><B>n… a</B></I><I><B>nd He is loving me now,  loving me now, Yes He is loving me now, He's loving me now, He's loving me now. . . .”</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>As the last drifting note died on the gentle breeze,</B></div> <div> <B>A chill shook Mason's coat and Quinn asked God, “Please . . ?”</B></div> <bR> <div> The annointed song<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF6699" FACE="Arial" ><B>“Love Was His Plan”</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>was written by my friend,<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF6699" FACE="Arial" ><B>Carolyn Abel</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#336600" FACE="Arial" ><B>.</B></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_big_boss_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>THE BIG BOSS</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>Fred Engel, used by permission</B></div> <div> <B>“Remuda Dust” © 1993 Benchmark Publishing,</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#9966FF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#9966FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Inc. </B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>The Big Boss has a special job for me,</B></div> <div> <B>And tho' I consider myself to be a top hand,</B></div> <div> <B>     There's been lots of times,</B></div> <div> <B>     When I don't understand.</B></div> <div> <B>     Why pick on me?</B></div> <div> <B>Why, sometimes it doesn't seem fair,</B></div> <div> <B>`Cause I've done plenty of the dirty work,</B></div> <div> <B>Can't they send somebody else out there?</B></div> <div> <B>There's lots of others who can do the job,</B></div> <div> <B>Why can't he call Ernie or Joe,</B></div> <div> <B>     Or Charlie or Bob?</B></div> <div> <B>And, if it's always me who gets the call,</B></div> <div> <B>`Cause I just happen to be tougher than most,</B></div> <div> <B>Why am I eatin' beans and not a fat juicy roast?</B></div> <div> <B>Well, I'll do the job, now don't get me wrong,</B></div> <div> <B>     But sometimes it's dang hard,</B></div> <div> <B>     To stay up and hang on.</B></div> <div> <B>     Now I try and sit `em salty,</B></div> <div> <B>     And deep in the saddle,</B></div> <div> <B>But there's times when I actually think</B></div> <div> <B>I can hear my brain rattle.</B></div> <div> <B>Ands sometimes a rank horse can be so tough,</B></div> <div> <B>     That I want to say,</B></div> <div> <B>“I quit, now, I've had enough!”</B></div> <div> <B>So, when I need extra help, as I often do,</B></div> <div> <B>I call on the Big Boss himself,</B></div> <div> <B>To help pull me through.</B></div> <div> <B>     And whatever the task,</B></div> <div> <B>     Or whatever the ride,</B></div> <div> <B>I can count on him being there by my side.</B></div> <div> <B>And from the power there is in a little prayer,</B></div> <div> <B>I know that the Big Boss will always be there.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Cowboy Blessing</B></div> <div> <B>By Anne Slade 1998</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>May the rains fall on your pastures </B></div> <div> <B>and the grass grow belly high. </B></div> <div> <B>May your calves get fat and sassy </B></div> <div> <B>and none of your cows be dry. </B></div> <div> <B>May your horses be sure-footed</B></div> <div> <B>and blessed with good cow sense. </B></div> <div> <B>May your neighbors lend a hand </B></div> <div> <B>when it's time to fix the fence. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>May the sun shine on your crops </B></div> <div> <B>when you harvest in the fall.</B></div> <div> <B>May your handshake be considered</B></div> <div> <B>your word by one and all. </B></div> <div> <B>When your life is filled with laughter</B></div> <div> <B>or when it's sad and grey,</B></div> <div> <B>May those you love be with you </B></div> <div> <B>to share each blessed day.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="earl_s_thanksgiving_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>Earl's Thanksgiving Prayer</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#9966FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>©  </B></FONT><B>10/99 </B><B>David Kelley, used by permission.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Lord..this is Earl, ..'course, I reckon that's a thing you already knew,</B></div> <div> <B>So, see I don't pray often enough, that it comes easy to do. </B></div> <div> <B>Anyway, I was ridin' along mindin' my own rat killin', </B></div> <div> <B>In the west pasture, where those setting sunrays were spillin', </B></div> <div> <B>It reminded me, that I ain't talked to you in quite a while, </B></div> <div> <B>And I don't know why, 'cause our little talks always caused me to smile.</B></div> <div> <B>Now and then, I have to stop and remember who's in control, </B></div> <div> <B>'Cause I get the idea sometimes, it's 'me' who's got things on a roll. </B></div> <div> <B>It don't take long to know the difference, though, when I stop and look. </B></div> <div> <B>The beauty of all outdoors are things you showed us in your Holy Book, </B></div> <div> <B>So Lord, thank you for this land, and this ol' body I try to keep whole. </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for this blaze face mare, and her identical chestnut foal.</B></div> <div> <B>I just can't gee haw with folks claimin' I come from slime in the past. </B></div> <div> <B>So thank you for givin' me the good sense to know your truth will last. </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for a blue bird sky, even when it turns somber and dark, </B></div> <div> <B>For I know in due time, a new day will dawn, bright, clear and stark. </B></div> <div> <B>I thank you for mountain tops, and valleys, meadows, forests and trees, </B></div> <div> <B>Birds, donkeys, panthers, that ol' grizzly bear, and fish and honey bees.</B></div> <div> <B>I love to climb to the mountain top, but the air is shorely' thin, </B></div> <div> <B>So I come back to the valley, where I can catch my breath again. </B></div> <div> <B>I thank you for good friends Lord, even that old sorehead I know. </B></div> <div> <B>You gave them all to me, that I might fully develop and grow. </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for 'things' I do have, and the absence of desire for more, </B></div> <div> <B>And for knowing those 'things' don't bring contentment for shore.</B></div> <div> <B>Lord, I thank you for happiness .. some might say ignorance is bliss, </B></div> <div> <B>But sittin' here in this sunset talkin' to you..I'm happy with this. </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for my talent Lord, and my work, how I love it so, </B></div> <div> <B>And for peace of mind, knowing when I die, exactly where I'll go. </B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for the gospel story, though I don't share it near enough, </B></div> <div> <B>I defend that by saying that testifying is just plain too tough.</B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for leaving me here a while longer, only you know why. </B></div> <div> <B>I'll never be able to thank you enough, but now and again I'll try. </B></div> <div> <B>I reckon when I get to heaven and your mystery is fully unveiled, </B></div> <div> <B>I'll know for sure the reason you left this ol' cowpoke on the trail. </B></div> <div> <B>I'll know the glory that's heaven, and I'll praise your precious Son, </B></div> <div> <B>And know for sure why folks denied that Christ was the only one.</B></div> <div> <B>'Till then, I'll put this ol' Stetson back on a weathered, furrowed brow, </B></div> <div> <B>Askin' your forgiveness, knowin' in mercy, you'll give it here and now.</B></div> <div> <B>Adios for now Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>Your Pard,</B></div> <div> <B>Earl</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_cowboy_s_prayer_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>A Cowboy's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Author Unknown</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm not too good at prayin', Lord </B></div> <div> <B>and You may not know me very well. </B></div> <div> <B>For I haven't been inside a church, </B></div> <div> <B>in quite a long, long spell. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>But You may still have seen me, Lord, </B></div> <div> <B>here on this dusty trail, </B></div> <div> <B>herdin' after cattle </B></div> <div> <B>through the snow and rain and hail. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And as I ride I do give thanks </B></div> <div> <B>for the miracles I see ~ </B></div> <div> <B>the clear blue sky, the buttercups, </B></div> <div> <B>the buzzing little bee. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I give thanks for the soft green grass </B></div> <div> <B>that feeds the cattle that we tend; </B></div> <div> <B>it also gives my bed some comfort </B></div> <div> <B>when the day is at an end. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>With each hill and valley, </B></div> <div> <B>along each dusty mile, </B></div> <div> <B>I find some beauty You created </B></div> <div> <B>and I cannot help but smile. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm far from being a  preacher, Lord, </B></div> <div> <B>but I'll offer my humble prayer </B></div> <div> <B>that love and kindness will be my guide </B></div> <div> <B>as I'm roamin' here and there. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I pray that I might live my life </B></div> <div> <B>in a way that brings You joy. </B></div> <div> <B>But if I slip every now and then, </B></div> <div> <B>take pity on this poor cowboy.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_cowboy_s_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>The Cowboy's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Curley Fletcher</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Out on the western prairies,</B></div> <div> <B>While a-ridin' after stock,</B></div> <div> <B>A cowboy met a shepherd</B></div> <div> <B>A-tendin' to his flock.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The shepherd asked the cowboy</B></div> <div> <B>If he would like to stay</B></div> <div> <B>And join him in a little drink</B></div> <div> <B>And put some grub away.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The cowboy says, “That's good enough,</B></div> <div> <B>When my belly's full of stew</B></div> <div> <B>We'll bury the old tomahawk</B></div> <div> <B>And have a drink or two.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now the herder cooked up quite a feed</B></div> <div> <B>And the cowboy ate his share,</B></div> <div> <B>Then the herder got the jug out,</B></div> <div> <B>And they started in from there.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Let's have a drink,” the cowboy says,</B></div> <div> <B>“We'll forget about our war,</B></div> <div> <B>Well, sure, let's have another one,</B></div> <div> <B>And then we'll have one more.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Back and forth they passed the jug</B></div> <div> <B>Until they went to sleep,</B></div> <div> <B>The puncher with the cattle and</B></div> <div> <B>The herder with the sheep.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now the cowboy slept beneath the sage,</B></div> <div> <B>And he was awful tight,</B></div> <div> <B>He rolled and tumbled all about</B></div> <div> <B>And snored with all his might.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>His arm fell over a tarantula's hole,</B></div> <div> <B>This made the spider mad.</B></div> <div> <B>He sank his fangs into the arm</B></div> <div> <B>And gave it all he had.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The cowboy waked and sobered up,</B></div> <div> <B>His arm was all swelled and black.</B></div> <div> <B>He awakened the shepherd</B></div> <div> <B>And they started for the shack.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The herder says, “That's pretty bad,</B></div> <div> <B>Looks like your Judgment Day.</B></div> <div> <B>If I was in your boots, cowboy,</B></div> <div> <B>I'd start right in to pray.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I'd like to pray,” the cowboy said,</B></div> <div> <B>“But I'm not quite sure just how,</B></div> <div> <B>So I'm gonna do the best I can</B></div> <div> <B>And I'd better start right now.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He braced himself on bended knees,</B></div> <div> <B>And raisin' up his head</B></div> <div> <B>He cast his eyes toward Heaven,</B></div> <div> <B>And this is what he said.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Lord, if you see this poor cowboy,</B></div> <div> <B>Come down and lend a hand,</B></div> <div> <B>Don't send your little son Jesus, Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>Boys sometimes don't understand.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Now, Lord, I ain't one of them sinners</B></div> <div> <B>That's callin' on you right along,</B></div> <div> <B>I wouldn't be takin' your time up</B></div> <div> <B>Lest there was somethin' awful wrong.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I'm a damn good bronc rider</B></div> <div> <B>And a ropin' son of a gun,</B></div> <div> <B>It's many an outlaw I've ridden,</B></div> <div> <B>And it's many a dollar I've won.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I've always been good to my horses,</B></div> <div> <B>Till today I ain't never ate sheep.</B></div> <div> <B>I never did shirk on no round-up,</B></div> <div> <B>And I've always been worth my keep.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I never did wrestle no cow,</B></div> <div> <B>I never took up with no squaw,</B></div> <div> <B>I never fought lest I had to,</B></div> <div> <B>And then I never went first on the draw.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“Course you know this better than I do,</B></div> <div> <B>But it don't seem hardly right </B></div> <div> <B>For me to be cashing my chips in</B></div> <div> <B>From some pot-bellied spider's bite.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“He crawled up while I was sleepin',</B></div> <div> <B>And he bit me while I was drunk.</B></div> <div> <B>I don't like to be belly-achin',</B></div> <div> <B>But now that was the trick of a skunk.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“If I was hurt while ridin' a bronco</B></div> <div> <B>Or ropin' a steer, Don't you see?</B></div> <div> <B>I wouldn't be here a-beefin',</B></div> <div> <B>I'd figure it was comin' to me.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“I've lived by my creed as I saw it,</B></div> <div> <B>And all that I ask is what's fair,</B></div> <div> <B>And if you've been keepin' the cases,</B></div> <div> <B>You know that I've been on the square.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now this was the prayer of a cowboy,</B></div> <div> <B>The prayer that was frank and sincere,</B></div> <div> <B>`Cause he called on his God as he saw it,</B></div> <div> <B>To lend him a listenin' ear.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The cowboy's God must have heard him</B></div> <div> <B>Out on the plains that day,</B></div> <div> <B>For he healed the suffering rider,</B></div> <div> <B>And he sent him upon his way.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Cowboy's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Author unknown [</B><I><B>Submitted to the World Wide Web by at least </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>two different people and one church</B></I><B>.]</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jake, the rancher, went one day</B></div> <div> <B>to fix a distant fence.</B></div> <div> <B>The wind was cold and gusty</B></div> <div> <B>and the clouds rolled gray and dense.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As he pounded the last staples in</B></div> <div> <B>and gathered tools to go,</B></div> <div> <B>The temperature had fallen</B></div> <div> <B>and the snow began to blow.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When he finally reached his pickup,</B></div> <div> <B>he felt a heavy heart,</B></div> <div> <B>from the sound of that ignition,</B></div> <div> <B>he knew it wouldn't start.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So Jake did what most of us do</B></div> <div> <B>if we'd have been there.</B></div> <div> <B>He humbly bowed his balding head</B></div> <div> <B>and sent aloft a prayer.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As he turned the key for the last time,</B></div> <div> <B>he softly cursed his luck.</B></div> <div> <B>They found him three days later,</B></div> <div> <B>frozen stiff in that old truck.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now Jake had been around in life</B></div> <div> <B>and had his share of ex'es.</B></div> <div> <B>But when he saw Heaven,</B></div> <div> <B>he was shocked-it looked just like Texas.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Of all the saints in Heaven,</B></div> <div> <B>his favorite was St. Peter.</B></div> <div> <B>Now, this line, it ain't needed</B></div> <div> <B>but it helps with rhyme and meter.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So they set and talked a minute or two,</B></div> <div> <B>or maybe it was three,</B></div> <div> <B>Nobody was keepin' score-</B></div> <div> <B>in Heaven time is free.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"I've always heard," Jake said to Pete,</B></div> <div> <B>"that God will answer prayers,</B></div> <div> <B>But one time I asked for help,</B></div> <div> <B>well He, just plain wasn't there.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Does God answer prayers of some,</B></div> <div> <B>and ignores the prayers of others?</B></div> <div> <B>That don't seem exactly square-</B></div> <div> <B>I know all men are brothers.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Or does he randomly reply,</B></div> <div> <B>without good rhyme or reason?</B></div> <div> <B>Maybe, it's the time of day,</B></div> <div> <B>the weather or the season.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now I ain't trying to act smart,</B></div> <div> <B>it's just the way I feel,</B></div> <div> <B>And I was wonderin', could you tell-</B></div> <div> <B>what the heck's the deal?</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Peter listened very patiently</B></div> <div> <B>and when Jake was done,</B></div> <div> <B>There were smiles of recognition,</B></div> <div> <B>and he said, "So, you're the one!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>That day your truck, it wouldn't start,</B></div> <div> <B>and you sent your prayer a flying,</B></div> <div> <B>You gave us all a real bad time,</B></div> <div> <B>with hundreds of us a trying.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A thousand angels rushed to check</B></div> <div> <B>the status of your file,</B></div> <div> <B>But you know, Jake, we hadn't heard</B></div> <div> <B>from you in quite a while</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And though all prayers are answered,</B></div> <div> <B>and God ain't got no quota,</B></div> <div> <B>He didn't recognize your voice,</B></div> <div> <B>and started a truck in North Dakota.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="an_old_cowboy_s_prayer____________"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>An Old Cowboy's Prayer</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>            </B></FONT></div> <div> <B>Author unknown</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>God?   I don't mean to bother you none</B></div> <div> <B>It's been a spell since I talked to you last.</B></div> <div> <B>I reckon I ought to thank you for all you do</B></div> <div> <B>Cause this ole cowboy has had quite a past.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm gettin' too old to drive these herds</B></div> <div> <B>My bones hurt and my temper gets short</B></div> <div> <B>But somehow these younger boys need this old man</B></div> <div> <B>When they get to missin' home and get a little out of sorts.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As I lay here lookin' up at the stars</B></div> <div> <B>I can't imagine not bein' right here</B></div> <div> <B>Listenin' to the night critters makin' their noise</B></div> <div> <B>You're lookin' down on me so I have nothing to fear.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>You've been really good to me</B></div> <div> <B>You've given me a lot of years to ride these trails</B></div> <div> <B>It's fed my family but not made me rich</B></div> <div> <B>And  my youngin's love my tall tales.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I pray you'll guide me along with all these cattle</B></div> <div> <B>Along the way let there be plenty of water and feed</B></div> <div> <B>And keep the wind a gentle breeze and clouds in the sky</B></div> <div> <B>Cause with these things it's all we really need.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm gonna say goodnight for now</B></div> <div> <B>I always feel a might better after talkin' with you</B></div> <div> <B>Thank you for listening to this old cowboy</B></div> <div> <B>And God....I love you too.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_cowman_s_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>The Cowman's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Author unknown</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Lord, please hear me, lend me Thine ear, </B></div> <div> <B>The prayer of a troubled cowman to hear. </B></div> <div> <B>No doubt the prayer may seem to be strange, </B></div> <div> <B>But I want you to bless our cattle range. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>You bless the roundups thru the years; </B></div> <div> <B>Now please don't forget the growing steers. </B></div> <div> <B>Water the lands with brooks and rills </B></div> <div> <B>For my cattle that roam on a thousand hills. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now O Lord, if you'll be so good,</B></div> <div> <B>See that my stock has plenty of food.</B></div> <div> <B>Our mountains are peaceful, the prairies serene,</B></div> <div> <B>Oh Lord, for the cattle, please keep them green.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The prairie fires, won't you please stop? </B></div> <div> <B>Make thunder roll make the rain to drop,</B></div> <div> <B>It frightens me to see the dread smoke,</B></div> <div> <B>Unless it is stopped, I'm bound to go dead broke</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As you, O Lord, my fine herds behold</B></div> <div> <B>They represent a sack of pure gold,</B></div> <div> <B>I think that at least five cents on the pound</B></div> <div> <B>Would be a good price for beef the year round.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>One thing more, and then I'll be through,</B></div> <div> <B>Instead of one calf let my cows have two,</B></div> <div> <B>I may pray different from all other men</B></div> <div> <B>But I've had my say, and now, amen.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_cowboy_s_prayer___under_the_western"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>"A Cowboy's Prayer - Under the Western Sky."</B></div> <div> <B>Author unknown</B></div> <div> <I>In one song a man tells how his father's advice stayed with him all of his life. </I></div> <div> <I>He recalls his father taking him to town for the first time and riding his first </I></div> <div> <I>Merry-Go-Round on a wooden horse that just went up and down. </I></div> <div> <I>The advice that stayed with him was this:</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ride'em cowboy! Hang on cowboy!</B></div> <div> <B>Ride'em. ride'em cowboy ...</B></div> <div> <B>Sit tight in the saddle,</B></div> <div> <B>and don't you get rattled,</B></div> <div> <B>and just keep it straight in your head. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>`Cause life is just like ridin' a bronco -</B></div> <div> <B>kind of like a merry-go-round.</B></div> <div> <B>Some people will try</B></div> <div> <B>to throw you sky high</B></div> <div> <B>and run you right out of town.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>You better ride'em cowboy!</B></div> <div> <B>Hang on cowboy... </B></div> <div> <B>Hold on tight,</B></div> <div> <B>everything will be all right.</B></div> <div> <B>Ride'em cowboy!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="cowboy_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Cowboy Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Author unknown</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Thank you Father for choosin the cowboy life for me </B></div> <div> <B>Riding the range, mending fences and sleeping under the stars </B></div> <div> <B>Enjoying all your creations, Father how awesome you are.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Some folks spend their days chasing silver and gold, you see </B></div> <div> <B>And when they finally get it it's easily wasted away </B></div> <div> <B>Me, I chase horses and cows most all of the day. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When the night comes, I'm tired, sore and cold </B></div> <div> <B>I make myself a fire, eat my vittles, spread out my bedroll. </B></div> <div> <B>Then I play my harmonica, singing out loudly and bold, </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Til my good friend, Pumpkin is sound asleep. </B></div> <div> <B>And as I sink into peaceful and irreversible sleep </B></div> <div> <B>Please, please do not for me weep, </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I happily lived my life as a cowboy, </B></div> <div> <B>the life God chose for me.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Old Cowboy's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>© Les McDowell</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I saw an old cowboy sittin by a fence he'd just fixed.</B></div> <div> <B>He took his old sweat stained hat off and got down on his knees and begin to pray.</B></div> <div> <B>He begin a chewin' with the Lord just like he was a visiting with a friend.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>"We need rain on that south forty so my hay'll come in.</B></div> <div> <B>I'd sure be obliging to you if'n you'd lay your healin' hands on my colt's bad leg.</B></div> <div> <B>Maybe you could have a word with the boys who run that old ticker tape.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>If'in we could get cattle prices up, I could at least fix the big hole in the barn, so the roof won't leak.</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks for bein' here to bend your ear.</B></div> <div> <B>Listenin' to me talk you'd think I was just down right ungrateful for last night.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Lil summer rain...sure knocked the fly's down.</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks alot for that little grandbaby.</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks again for your hand in raisin' the mom, we couldn't be prouder.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I guess I better hang up now. I'm sure there's a lot of other folks, standin behind me in line.</B></div> <div> <B>Oh and Lord, don't worry none about us down here at this ole place.</B></div> <div> <B>Cause everthing is goin' to be Alll- R-i-g-h-t."</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>"Prayin For Ya Cowboy"</B></div> <div> <B>© 2000 Darla Fisher Wilson  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I don't really know ya Cowboy, I only know yer name</B></div> <div> <B>But I'm a thinkin of ya and prayin just the same.</B></div> <div> <B>I want to make it easier for you to handle this day                          </B></div> <div> <B>To help ya through this fence, that God has put in yer way.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He does things for a reason, we often wonder why</B></div> <div> <B>And before we know the answer sometimes years go by.</B></div> <div> <B>The fact that yer a Cowboy is bound to help ya some</B></div> <div> <B>And though it may take time, help is sure to come.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Cowboys are good people and the Lord he knows bout that</B></div> <div> <B>So I've asked him to place his hands upon yer cowboy hat.</B></div> <div> <B>I'm not the only one a prayin, yer friends are prayin its true</B></div> <div> <B>And all the rodeo people they're all a prayin too.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My heart it feels so heavy, it feels just like a ton</B></div> <div> <B>There ain't a Mom alive that wants this for her son.</B></div> <div> <B>So I'm thinkin of yer family and want to give them hope</B></div> <div> <B>And prayin to the Lord for strength to help them cope.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'd like to help ya ease yer pain in case it gets to rough</B></div> <div> <B>Remember yer a cowboy and Cowboys are so tough.</B></div> <div> <B>Don't let yer self get angry, don't let yer self be sad</B></div> <div> <B>If ya look to far ahead in life, it'll only drive ya mad.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Of all the things in this world that God will put ya through</B></div> <div> <B>He knows what you can handle, he has a plan for you.</B></div> <div> <B>I've faith that you'll get better, just hope it happens fast</B></div> <div> <B>I'm prayin for ya cowboy to get this in yer past.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>And if yer days get long and the pain to tough to bare</B></div> <div> <B>Remember yer a Cowboy...</B></div> <div> <B>And there's other Cowboys that care!</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_busted_cowboy_s_christmas"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>A Busted Cowboy's Christmas</B></div> <div> <B>Iyam B Usted *</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I am a busted cowboy </B></div> <div> <B>And I work upon the range; </B></div> <div> <B>In summertime I get some work </B></div> <div> <B>But one thing that is strange' </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As soon as Fall work's over </B></div> <div> <B>We get it in the neck </B></div> <div> <B>And we get a Chritmas present </B></div> <div> <B>On a neatly written check. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Then come to town to rusiticate, </B></div> <div> <B>We've no place else to stay </B></div> <div> <B>When Winter winds are howling </B></div> <div> <B>Because we can't eat hay. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A punchers life's a picnic; </B></div> <div> <B>It's one continued joke, </B></div> <div> <B>But there's none more anxious to see Spring </B></div> <div> <B>Than a cowboy who is broke. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The wages that a cowboy earns </B></div> <div> <B>In Summer go like smoke, </B></div> <div> <B>And when the Winter snows have come </B></div> <div> <B>You bet your life he's broke. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>You can talk about your Holiday, </B></div> <div> <B>Your Chritmas cheer and joy; </B></div> <div> <B>Its all the same to me, my friend, </B></div> <div> <B>Cash gone-I'm a broke cowboy.  </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My saddle and my gun's in soak </B></div> <div> <B>My spurs I've long since sold; </B></div> <div> <B>My rawhide and my quirt are gone; </B></div> <div> <B>My chaps-no, they're too old; </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>My stuff's all gone, I can't even beg </B></div> <div> <B>A solitary smoke. </B></div> <div> <B>For no one cares what becomes of  </B></div> <div> <B>A cowboy who is broke. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Now where I'll eat my dinner </B></div> <div> <B>This chrismas, I don' know; </B></div> <div> <B>But you bet I'm going to have one </B></div> <div> <B>If they give me half a show. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>This Christmas has no charms for me' </B></div> <div> <B>On good things Ill not choke </B></div> <div> <B>Unless I get a big hand-out -  </B></div> <div> <B>I'm a cowboy who is broke.</B>  </div> <bR> <div> <I>*This appeared in the Stock Growers' Journal, Miles City Montana in the December 1893 issue. </I></div> <div> <B>Iyam B. Usted is reputed to be famed poet D.J. O'Malley.  </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_bronco_twister_s_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>The Bronco Twister's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Bruce Kiskaddon</B></div> <div> <I><B>This poem was recited at Bruce Kiskaddon's funeral.</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <B>It was a little grave yard</B></div> <div> <B>   on the rolling foot hill plains:</B></div> <div> <B>That was bleached by the sun in summer,</B></div> <div> <B>   swept by winter's snows and rains;</B></div> <div> <B>There a little bunch of settlers</B></div> <div> <B>   gathered on an autumn day</B></div> <div> <B>`Round a home made lumber coffin,</B></div> <div> <B>   with their last respects to pay.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Weary men that wrung their living</B></div> <div> <B>   from that hard and arid land,</B></div> <div> <B>And beside them stood their women;</B></div> <div> <B>   faded wives with toil worn hands.</B></div> <div> <B>But among us stood one figure</B></div> <div> <B>   that was wiry, straight and trim.</B></div> <div> <B>Every one among us know him.</B></div> <div> <B>   `Twas the broncho twister, Jim.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Just a bunch of hardened muscle</B></div> <div> <B>   tempered with a savage grit,</B></div> <div> <B>And he had the reputation</B></div> <div> <B>   of a man that never quit.</B></div> <div> <B>He had helped to build the coffin,</B></div> <div> <B>   he had helped to dig the grave;</B></div> <div> <B>And his instinct seemed to teach him</B></div> <div> <B>   how he really should behave.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Well, we didn't have a preacher,</B></div> <div> <B>   and the crowd was mighty slim.</B></div> <div> <B>Just two women with weak voices</B></div> <div> <B>   sang an old time funeral hymn.</B></div> <div> <B>That was all we had for service.</B></div> <div> <B>   The old wife was sobbing there.</B></div> <div> <B>For her husband of a life time,</B></div> <div> <B>   laid away without prayer.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>She looked at the broncho twister,</B></div> <div> <B>   then she walked right up to him.</B></div> <div> <B>Put one trembling arm around him and said,</B></div> <div> <B>   "Pray. Please won't you Jim?"</B></div> <div> <B>You could see his figure straighten,</B></div> <div> <B>   and a look of quick surprise</B></div> <div> <B>Flashed across his swarthy features,</B></div> <div> <B>   and his hard dare devil eyes.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>He could handle any broncho,</B></div> <div> <B>   and he never dodged a fight.</B></div> <div> <B>`Twas the first time any body ever saw</B></div> <div> <B>   his face turn white.</B></div> <div> <B>But he took his big sombrero</B></div> <div> <B>   off his rough and shaggy head,</B></div> <div> <B>How I wish I could remember what</B></div> <div> <B>   that broncho peeler said.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>No, he wasn't educated.</B></div> <div> <B>   On the range his youth was spent.</B></div> <div> <B>But the maker of creation</B></div> <div> <B>   knew exactly what he meant.</B></div> <div> <B>He looked over toward the mountains</B></div> <div> <B>   where the driftin' shadows played.</B></div> <div> <B>Silence must have reined in heaven</B></div> <div> <B>   when they heard the way Jim prayed.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Years have passed since that small funeral</B></div> <div> <B>   in that lonely grave yard lot.</B></div> <div> <B>But it gave us all a memory, and a lot</B></div> <div> <B>   of food for thought.</B></div> <div> <B>As we stood beside the coffin,</B></div> <div> <B>   and the freshly broken sod,</B></div> <div> <B>With that reckless broncho breaker</B></div> <div> <B>   talkin' heart to heart with God.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When the prayer at last was over,</B></div> <div> <B>   and the grave had all been filled,</B></div> <div> <B>On his rough, half broken pony,</B></div> <div> <B>   he rode off toward the hills.</B></div> <div> <B>Yes, we stood there in amazement</B></div> <div> <B>   as we watched him ride away,</B></div> <div> <B>For no words could ever thank him.</B></div> <div> <B>   There was nothing we could say.</B></div> <div> <B>Since we gathered in that grave yard,</B></div> <div> <B>   it's been nearly fifty years.</B></div> <div> <B>With their joys and with their sorrows,</B></div> <div> <B>   with their hopes and with their fears.</B></div> <div> <B>But I hope when I have finished,</B></div> <div> <B>   and they lay me with the dead,</B></div> <div> <B>Some one says a prayer above me,</B></div> <div> <B>   like that broncho twister said.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="the_cowboy_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>The Cowboy Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Author unknown, Park Plaque in Prescott, AZ dedicated as the spot</B></div> <div> <B>where Badger Clark wrote “The Cowboy Prayer.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I let my saddle fall,</B></div> <div> <B>My weary horse I tend,</B></div> <div> <B>Dear Lord I hear you call,</B></div> <div> <B>For I've reached the End</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>THANKSGIVING</B></div> <div> <B>Charles Badger Clark, Jr</B><B>.</B></div> <div> <B>“Sky Lines and Wood Smoke” © Mrs. Carl H. Sundstrom</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Accept my thanks today, O Lord-</B></div> <div> <B>But not so much for bed and board-</B></div> <div> <B>Those stodgy items of good cheer</B></div> <div> <B>I share with chipmunks and with deer-</B></div> <div> <B>But rather gifts more fine and fair</B></div> <div> <B>That come upon me unaware.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Those priceless incidental things-</B></div> <div> <B>Flower fragrance and bird flutterings,</B></div> <div> <B>The sudden laughter often caught</B></div> <div> <B>From some fantastic kink of thought</B></div> <div> <B>A pine's black fretwork lifted high</B></div> <div> <B>Against the tranquil sunset sky,</B></div> <div> <B>Kindness from strangers all unnamed</B></div> <div> <B>That makes me wholesomely ashamed,</B></div> <div> <B>A friend's warm, understanding eyes,</B></div> <div> <B>A book's communion with the wise,</B></div> <div> <B>The dreamful magic of a tune</B></div> <div> <B>And slim white birches in the moon-</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I thank you, Lord, for daily bread</B></div> <div> <B>But I am so much more than fed,</B></div> <div> <B>For you, with nought deserved or won,</B></div> <div> <B>Indulge me like a favored son,</B></div> <div> <B>Flinging profuse along my ways</B></div> <div> <B>These jeweled things that deck the day</B></div> <div> <B>And make my living far more sweet</B></div> <div> <B>Than just to breathe or just to eat.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>THANKSGIVING…..</B></div> <div> <B>Charles Badger Clark, Jr.</B></div> <div> <B>“God of the Open” © Mrs. Carl H. Sundstrom</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Lord, we have heard from olden days</B></div> <div> <B>How, when the Pilgrims gave you praise,</B></div> <div> <B>Half of their company were dead</B></div> <div> <B>And the rest often short of bread.</B></div> <div> <B>They saw their plight with open eyes,</B></div> <div> <B>Knew their poor little enterprise</B></div> <div> <B>Might soon be ended by a rush</B></div> <div> <B>Of painted Indians from the brush,</B></div> <div> <B>Yet with defiant faith they said:</B></div> <div> <B>“Thank God for all!” and went ahead</B></div> <div> <B>Straight to their unsuspected goal, </B></div> <div> <B>The shaping of a nation's soul.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Lord, we forgot that Pilgrim brood-</B></div> <div> <B>And you, when business was so good.</B></div> <div> <B>To a new God we bent the knee,</B></div> <div> <B>Our belly, God, Prosperity.</B></div> <div> <B>A while he kept us richly fed</B></div> <div> <B>And fat in body, fat in head,</B></div> <div> <B>But now he gives us icy stares</B></div> <div> <B>For all our whining “gimme” prayers.</B></div> <div> <B>So, shamed, we turn again to you,</B></div> <div> <B>God of our Fathers, tried and true.</B></div> <div> <B>And on this dim Thanksgiving day</B></div> <div> <B>In their brave spirit try to pray.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Thank God for this perplexing year;</B></div> <div> <B>Thank God for poverty and fear,</B></div> <div> <B>For blighted, locust eaten land,</B></div> <div> <B>For cattle hardly worth the brand,</B></div> <div> <B>For workless men who sit and wait,</B></div> <div> <B>For puzzled brains that guide the state,</B></div> <div> <B>For threadbare sleeve and empty purse-</B></div> <div> <B>Thank God for each apparent curse!</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>More than fat comfort, cow-like ease</B></div> <div> <B>Or swaggering, cheap properties</B></div> <div> <B>Have hard conditions always made</B></div> <div> <B>Real men and women-unafraid,</B></div> <div> <B>With thinking brains and loving hearts</B></div> <div> <B>Who down through history played their parts</B></div> <div> <B>And, without power of wealth or place,</B></div> <div> <B>Have shaped the courses of the race.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>We thank you, Lord, for debt and doubt,</B></div> <div> <B>Just lend us strength to fight it out.</B></div> <div> <B>From such lean things-not bloat or blah-</B></div> <div> <B>Sprang up the true America.</B></div> <div> <B>Now with our fathers' faith we call</B></div> <div> <B>Up through the fog: “Thank God for all!”</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="looking_for_work"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#663300" FACE="Arial" ><B>Looking For Work</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>By Pecos Higgins, </B><I><B>Pecos' Poems</B></I><B>, 1957</B></div> <bR> <div> Verse 1</div> <div> <B>Dear Lord up in heaven, will you listen a bit,</B></div> <div> <B>I am talking to you from below</B></div> <div> <B>There is quite a few things I don't understand</B></div> <div> <B>And a whole lot more I don't know.</B></div> <div> <B>When I look back over my wild rugged life</B></div> <div> <B>And the things I used to do</B></div> <div> <B>I could never have lived to be old as I am</B></div> <div> <B>If it had not been for You.</B></div> <bR> <div> Verse 2</div> <div> <B>I have worked for the Devil the most of my life,</B></div> <div> <B>Lord, I made him a hand</B></div> <div> <B>But now I've come over to your side of the range</B></div> <div> <B>And it was not because I got canned.</B></div> <div> <B>I have rode bad horses in three western states</B></div> <div> <B>That was plenty mean and tough,</B></div> <div> <B>And worked wild cattle in mountain range</B></div> <div> <B>That was plenty brushy and rough.</B></div> <bR> <div> Verse 3</div> <div> <B>There was many times in life, Dear Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>The jack pots I was in</B></div> <div> <B>I never dreamed you protected me</B></div> <div> <B>Or cared about my sin.</B></div> <div> <B>Since I have found You now, Dear Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>I know how I got through</B></div> <div> <B>You helped me out in every way-</B></div> <div> <B>All the credit goes to you.</B></div> <bR> <div> Verse 4</div> <div> <B>I have pulled many bone-heads in my life,</B></div> <div> <B>Like many old cowboys do,</B></div> <div> <B>But I have rode gentle ponies, lived better life</B></div> <div> <B>Since I been working for You.</B></div> <div> <B>Satan, I reckon, misses me now</B></div> <div> <B>For I could stir up a whole lot of sin</B></div> <div> <B>I never failed him on any job</B></div> <div> <B>No difference what shape I was in.</B></div> <bR> <div> Verse 5</div> <div> <B>But, laying all other jokes aside,</B></div> <div> <B>Understanding is what I crave</B></div> <div> <B>I don't mind leaving this old body of mine</B></div> <div> <B>Down here in a six foot grave.</B></div> <div> <B>My spirit is what I'm thinking about</B></div> <div> <B>Since I am trying to get it clean,</B></div> <div> <B>I never cuss or drink any more,</B></div> <div> <B>And never think anything mean.</B></div> <bR> <div> Verse 6</div> <div> <B>I have cowboy friends that went some place</B></div> <div> <B>And some relations too-</B></div> <div> <B>I pray Dear Lord, You gathered them in,</B></div> <div> <B>And they are all there with You.</B></div> <div> <B>When you get ready to put out my light,</B></div> <div> <B>I pray for favor I have won</B></div> <div> <B>That you will let me hang out at your headquarters ranch</B></div> <div> <B>When my work on earth is done.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="simple_tastes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Simple Tastes</B></div> <div> <B>2003, Gene O'Quinn</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm a simple man</B></div> <div> <B>With simple country tastes you see</B></div> <div> <B>And these are some scenes</B></div> <div> <B>that really please me.</B></div> <div> <B>Black cows belly-deep</B></div> <div> <B>In tall grass, so lush and so green,</B></div> <div> <B>`tis quite a sleepy</B></div> <div> <B>and pastoral scene.</B></div> <div> <B>Streams and gurg'ling brooks</B></div> <div> <B>Meandering thru undulating ground,</B></div> <div> <B>With regal green trees</B></div> <div> <B>sprinkled all around.</B></div> <div> <B>Wildflowers in bloom</B></div> <div> <B>And wisps of dust behind the herd,</B></div> <div> <B>Driven by drovers,</B></div> <div> <B>shrill whistles and words.</B></div> <div> <B>Soft puffy white clouds</B></div> <div> <B>Drifting through a deep cobalt sky, </B></div> <div> <B>Tall snow capped peaks</B></div> <div> <B>and the eagle's cry.</B></div> <div> <B>A breeze gently sighs</B></div> <div> <B>The aspen leaves flutter and quake,</B></div> <div> <B>Midst pleasant sounds</B></div> <div> <B>that the song-birds make.</B></div> <div> <B>Peaceful valley farms</B></div> <div> <B>And hamlets with tall spires above,</B></div> <div> <B>The haunting soft coo</B></div> <div> <B>      of a mourning dove.</B></div> <div> <B>Dawn's mist rising</B></div> <div> <B>Above the surface of a lake,</B></div> <div> <B>As ripples trail from</B></div> <div> <B>a skiff's shallow wake.</B></div> <div> <B>Barefoot boys traipsing</B></div> <div> <B>Along a shaded country lane,</B></div> <div> <B>Driving the cows to</B></div> <div> <B>be milked again.</B></div> <div> <B>Radiant Fall leaves </B></div> <div> <B>And the bark on a northern birch,</B></div> <div> <B>As peace enfolds an</B></div> <div> <B>old frame country church.</B></div> <div> <B>I'm just a simple man</B></div> <div> <B>Saved by God's Mercy and Grace,</B></div> <div> <B>Facing life's trials</B></div> <div> <B>at a rapid pace.</B></div> <div> <B>And I thank my God</B></div> <div> <B>For giving me these simple tastes,</B></div> <div> <B>And may we never</B></div> <div> <B>view-His scenes-in haste</B><B>.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>I Thank You, O Lord</B></div> <div> <B>[A Cowboy's Prayer]</B></div> <div> <B>Mary Ann Pont</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I thank You, O Lord, for life as a cowboy</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks for my horse who's a good loyal friend</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You, O Lord, for just knowing the time</B></div> <div> <B>When creeks are all dry, sweet rain You will send.</B></div> <div> <B>I thank You, O Lord, for help with my cattle</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks for the sunshine that brightens my day</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You, O Lord, for help with my values</B></div> <div> <B>Also life's lessons that don't come with pay.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I thank You, O Lord, for sagebrush I smell</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks for the campfires that warm me at night</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You, O Lord, for stars in the sky-</B></div> <div> <B>Also the beauty of an eagle in flight.</B></div> <div> <B>I thank You, O Lord for the plains that I ride-</B></div> <div> <B>Also for calves that are weak but will live</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You, O Lord, for warm glowing sunsets</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks once again, for the time that You give.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I thank You, O Lord, for my time here on earth,</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks for my spirit I never knew that I had</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You, O Lord for all of my friends</B></div> <div> <B>Lets hope they're all happy and not feeling bad</B></div> <div> <B>I thank You, O Lord, for the wisdom You've given</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You for listening to my humble prayer</B></div> <div> <B>Thank You, O Lord, for life as a cowboy-</B></div> <div> <B>As You are my Maker, my lifestyle You share.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="an_old_cowboy_s_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>An Old Cowboy's Prayer</B></div> <div> <B>© 2001, Nona Kelley Carver, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I've been a long time coming, Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>But now, I'm riding in.</B></div> <div> <B>I see those gates just shining,</B></div> <div> <B>Where no pain is felt within.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I heard the angels singing, Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>When they came to escort me.</B></div> <div> <B>They let me ride my favorite mare</B></div> <div> <B>On in to eternity.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm thankful for my days on earth,</B></div> <div> <B>And my family there below.</B></div> <div> <B>They knew quite well my time had come,</B></div> <div> <B>But they grieved to see me go.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I ask that you give them comfort, Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>For I'm in a better place.</B></div> <div> <B>Please let them know that I rest in peace,</B></div> <div> <B>Thanks to your matchless grace.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I'm thankful that you blessed me with</B></div> <div> <B>A long and eventful life;</B></div> <div> <B>For a happy home with my children close,</B></div> <div> <B>And a loving and faithful wife.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Please let them know that I love them, Lord,</B></div> <div> <B>And all fear has been put aside.</B></div> <div> <B>I will wait for a grand reunion,</B></div> <div> <B>When they, too, cross the Great Divide.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_cowboy_s_prayer"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>A COWBOY'S PRAYER</B></div> <div> <B>J. S. Hurst, used by permission</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>There's some snow upon the mountains</B></div> <div> <B>And a chill upon the breeze</B></div> <div> <B>There's some golden leaves a'fallin'</B></div> <div> <B>From that lonely grove of trees</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So, I`m movin' all my cattle</B></div> <div> <B>From them grazin' hills up high</B></div> <div> <B>I got `em headin' toward the valley</B></div> <div> <B>`Cause there's storm clouds in the sky</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I got another year behind me</B></div> <div> <B>On this ranch that I call mine</B></div> <div> <B>Lord, you've showered me with blessin's</B></div> <div> <B>And right now we're doin' fine</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>But my hair's a little thinner</B></div> <div> <B>And my gait is gettin' slow</B></div> <div> <B>And I'm thinkin' `bout the winters</B></div> <div> <B>Up ahead, before I go</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Gosh, it's been so long, I'm thinkin'</B></div> <div> <B>That I've been out on this range</B></div> <div> <B>I have done a lot of livin'</B></div> <div> <B>And I've seen a lot of change</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I just want to take a minute</B></div> <div> <B>To say, "Thank ya kindly, Lord"</B></div> <div> <B>`Cause the trip has all been worth it</B></div> <div> <B>And I'm glad that I'm on board</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Oh, I know I'm just a cowboy</B></div> <div> <B>Nothin' special, I suppose</B></div> <div> <B>But I'm happy just to be here</B></div> <div> <B>In these worn out cowboy clothes</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Ridin' gives me time for thinkin'</B></div> <div> <B>And I know that when I die </B></div> <div> <B>You'll see a happy cowboy headin' </B></div> <div> <B>For that bunkhouse in the sky  </B></div> <div> J. S. Hurst - ©11/10/03</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>