I met up with a cowboy
just the other day—
he tipped his hat an’ gestured
in a friendly sorta way.

We rode a spell, an’ talked awhile,
then shared our evenin’ camp—
I must admit, I weren’t prepared
for advice from a saddle-tramp.

He started slow an’ firm,
but with soft an’ kindly voice,
said, “Before ya venture far, Son,
be sure about your choice.

This here advice I’ll give ya,
is said in so few words,
but fits most situations
no matter how absurd.”

***

“Speak your mind, but be fair,
keep your mouth shut when ya can,
choose your fights most cautious,
an’ don’t taunt a bigger man.

Don’t argue with a woman,
ya can’t win anyways—
be sure ya do a full days work
‘fore acceptin’ any pay.

Don’t drink liquor much at all,
there ain’t no doggone reason—
remember all men has their time—
each one has a season.

Never choose to bite off
more than you can chew—
give your word, an’ keep it
no matter what ya do.

Look before ya leap,
don’t be actin’ like the fool,
an’ when you decide to take a bride,
treat her like a precious jewel.

Never kick a cow-pie
on a hot ‘n humid day—
don’t spit into the wind
or it’ll travel back your way.

If ya wanna clear a room,
start tellin’ fancy lies—
no one likes a bragger,
or a bum with alibis.

An’ when ya go to wanderin’
on that pony that ya straddle,
remember, Son, a smart ass
don’t always fit a saddle.”

 

Tamara Hillman
©2003