“The Cowgirl” is one of the cowboy poems from my new book “The Old West & Times Gone By”, about a cowhand, and how he meets the daughter of the ranch he works at — who is (so to speak) a “handfull”. Of course, they fall in love — but only after a rather prickly start — but I guess I’ll let you read the rest of this cowboy poem love story — rather than spoil it for ya. No matter what, I guarantee it will put a smile on your face. Also, and for what it’s worth — the poem follows a theme prevalent in a few of the poems in my new book — a strong woman in the Old West who can take care of herself – but who also has a definite feminine side. Hope you love it as I do!
The Cowgirl
copyright 2022 by Marshal T. Justice
Her hair was like a mass of tumble weeds
rolling across the open plains
it often got tangled into knots
said to surround her brain
A cowgirl to the bitter end
she could ride a horse thru the night
shoot a Winchester straight and true
and “Damn!” . . . she could out drink every cowpoke I knew!
I saw her while sitting in the saloon
She took three shots of Tequila straight down
then grabbed a pool cue from the back
and shot a perfect round
I walked up slower than a damn slug
and started to say hello
but she turned around and headed out
with a cowpoke right in tow
“Damn!” I said under my breath!
I missed that gal again!
I wondered if I’d have another chance?
and I really wondered
when?
Well they say that karma’s a Far Eastern thing
has little to do with the American West
but I couldn’t put her out of my mind
although I did my best
And riding herd for the Circle B
I saw her coming near
she came on fast, riding right past me
and then she roped a steer
“Pardon me, Ma’am. Could you use some help?”
She looked up with some surprise
Shook off some dirt, tipped her Stetson hat back
Pushed some hair above her eyes
“Who the hell, you talking to?” She spat her words at me.
“I can outride, out rope some ten of you!
“You better leave me be!”
“Damn!” . . . another chance shot to hell!
But at least I gave it a try
I turned my horse, but then looked back
and somehow caught her eye
“Hey, cowboy! I’ve seen you before!
“I know you’ve looked at me
“My name is Sam
“I ride this range
“my daddy owns the Circle B.”
She laughed right then, and then turned back
she had to do that brand
and I pushed on
my head hung down
just another damned hired hand
But karma isn’t all Far Eastern
it also exists in the American West
and when I hit the saloon a week later
somebody punched me right in my chest
“Hey, Cowboy! Never got your name!
“You know my name is Sam
“Do you shoot pool?
“I play for shots!
“Try to beat me, if you can!”
I almost fell over from that shot
my composure completely gone
and then I got my manhood back
ready to take her on
“My name is Wes. Sure, I’ll take you on
“and beat you if I can
“But I’ve seen you play before
“You might just be – the better man!”
She laughed at that
and grabbed a cue
and then began to play
she didn’t miss
not once or twice
I finally had to say:
“I think I’ve had all I can take
“You’re way too good for me!”
Then she grabbed my hand
pulled me out to dance
sorta like a jamboree
Well, we got on fast
maybe way too fast
but ever since that night
we’re together when the stars do shine
and when the moon comes out at night
They promoted me to assistant foreman
but her daddy made it clear
if I didn’t treat his daughter right
I’d have more than him to fear
Cause Sam can rope
and Sam can ride
and Sam can also fight
She’s something like the untamed West
and I’d better . . . just treat her right!