“Savin’ the Ranch”

Copyright©2004, Michael S. Robinson

Headin’ south with the herd on October, the third,

Worried sick that beef prices might drop.

Gotta get to the rail;  Gotta finish the sale,

‘cause I’ve got a foreclosure to stop.

Last two years have been lean-- ain’t seen cash, hard and green--

So the mortgage is six months behind…

And the dream that I cherish 'll instantly perish

if the final court order gets signed.

So we drive the herd on ‘til the stars are all gone—

don’t take time for no vittles or rest…

push the herd past the grass and the snow-frosted pass…

put our trusty old steeds to the test.

All the rough spots behind, now a slow, gruelin’ grind,

‘cause the critters are plumb out of steam.

One more mile of trail, an' we'll be at the rail

And the money to rescue my dream.

Now my mood’s got a lift, but the ford’s mighty swift,

and ol’ Curley gets swept from his mare.

She’s a kickin’ an’ thrashin’ an' his head gets a bashin’  

as he catches a double-ott pair.

What I drag to the shore’s bloody mayhem an’ gore…

Curley’s scalp laid back clear to the crown.

He’s unconscious an’ pale, and might die if I fail

to find him a doctor in town.

But the deadline is near, an' I’ll miss it, I fear.

Sell the herd, ‘cause it’s my only chance.

Get the price I desire… leave the ox in the mire?

If I don’t, I will forfeit the ranch.

One life saved meJust one look's all it takes;  These are pretty high stakes...

One life saved means that my dream’ll end.

Through the gray of old age I’ll work hard for a wage,

but I can’t turn my back on a friend.

Friendship, proven and tried, Curley’s still by my side—

A few scars, but no worse for the wear.

Though the ranch is long-lost, it’s been well worth the cost,