Cowboy Heaven

Painting by Bill Jaxon

Cowboy Heaven

I stared at the sky one moonless night;
At the stars so far away.
I started thinkin' what Heaven's like;
If it's done the "Cowboy Way."

The air will be clean, crisp and cool.
The sky will stretch the eyes.
Big, green trees will throw some shade.
Good grass will be waist high.

Stout buckskins horses will be all around;
Mixed with plenty of good bays;
And "lineback" duns for those who like 'em;
Some sorrels, even some grays.

Saddles will be on "Association" trees;
With enough of the "Modified;"
You won't see nylon, in fancy colors;
For sure, they're made of cowhide.

Even new ropes will be well "broke-in;"
They'll never twist around.
They'll always be just long enough;
To catch the cow you've found.

Spurs will be made by Garcia;
With the silver all a'shine.
Jingle-bobs will play your favorite song;
"Saddle music" to please your mind.

Hats will all be 20X;
Hand made by Mr. John B.
Most all will be silver belly;
But the color you want, you'll see.

The sunrise will be beautiful everyday;
With plenty of work to do.
The sunset will always wait;
'Til all the work is through.

Just enough cold, so you'll feel alive;
Enough warm to ease the bones;
Enough rain to make the grass tall;
Enough dry to call it "home."

Lots of friends to have a drink with;
And tell the same old stories;
To laugh at all your silly mistakes;
And treasure all your glories.

For sure, some chores will be difficult;
Some trails mighty rough;
'Cause cowboys like to prove they can "take it,"
When the "goin'" gets kinda tough.

I sure hope there's a "Cowboy Heaven;"
For when my days are done.
And the more I hope, the more I know;
That, truly, there really is one.

Jim Steele