He traveled ‘cross the open range
No shirt upon his back
Longing to reach outer LaGrange
Before the sky turned black
A cattleman since birth, it seemed
He lived the herdsman’s life
But, late at night, the cowboy dreamed
Of his children and wife.

His family had placed its roots
Along the river bend
But, none could tame his western boots
When daylight reached its end
His heart was tethered to the trail
‘tis where his life was blessed
He worked the landscape, without fail
Driving the livestock west.

The years had always been a friend
But, time was wearing thin
He knew he should let others tend
The cattle and the gin
Ten years before, he’d made a pledge
Before he went to sleep
And, as he stood at Red Oak Ledge
He prayed his soul to keep.

“Lord, take the reins from these two hands
And let the cattle roam
I’ve seen the last of these fine lands
‘tis time that I go home
My days upon the trail are through
I’ve reached the setting sun
So, with this prayer, I bid adieu
I’ve left too much undone.”

“I’m going home to hold my wife
Beside the firelight
I’ll share tales of the herding life
With my kids, every night
I thank you for these years, I’ve known
Yet, I must step aside
I’m tired of days spent alone
But, grateful for the ride!”

Those final words came from the heart
And were etched in the clay
Since the life and he did depart
That late September day
The souls who knew the herdsman well
Swear that the stars above
Shown brightly o’er his little dell
Once he embraced his love.

© 2007 – Jill Eisnaugle’s Poetry Collection