Cute and cleverly written...
Cryssa

This "Showdown" is a carefully structured poem that gives no hint to the final line...so clever of you, Gene...and who cannot adore this memory from the past :o). My "Cheers" of the day for me...and to you!!
Blessings and Love - Micke

First I want to thank you for showing mer where you are Gene and I don't care if it was a Broke back Mountain thing, I loved your write and I also cried over the movie. Thank yu for sharing.

Newfie Hugs, Rose

lol....that was good, I know you said Jeff & HE...but
was that a tom boy given the kiss, or a broke back mountain thing?
it's the kiss.....thats not fair even for tom boys like me :)
it's our secret weapon & works everytime :)
Embraced ~ Embrassé
Vickie

Gene, this is such a beautiful look back at a special moment in time between a father and son...and I loved the "twist" at the end.

Every son should have this type of relationship with his father.

Yes, and yes again. A great write!
John

Your son is a lucky lad to have a father that takes the time to play cowboys with him. I am sure Jesse would forgive you for the kiss on the lips. John Wayne, I don't believe so. I loved my father dearly. But he never took the time to play cowboys with me. Or give me a kiss or hug either. But he was a hero to me just like, John Wayne. Great poem Gene. I am very glad you shared it with us. May peace return to you and Jesse. JMW

More dad's should play with their young kids like this. My dad was seldom around when I was that age. He was either working, at the race track or off on a drinking binge. However, I recall my imagination matching your six-year-old Jesse James. I was John Wayne in Horse soldiers, Alexander the Great, fighting apaches, Genghis Khan. My invisible armies followed me everywhere. Black Beard and other pirates managed to show up too. Those years lasted until I was about twelve or so before my imagination turned inwards and stuck around in hiding.

Boys will be boys, innocent in nature - enjoyed reading this one, Gene, you took me there - well done -

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.

I always wondered what influenced us boys and girls to play cowboys and indians. Guess it was inspired by Showdown at Sundown shows like Gene Autry, Maverick, Shane, Bonanza, High Chapparel, The Big Valley, The Rifleman, Bat Masterson, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Kirk Douglas and Rock Hudson in The Last Sunset, and so many more old westerns...you made my day, Gene...

Sage

the wonder of that childlike innocence. playpretend in the reflection of who we were, the mirror of us......reminds me of when my baby-gurl would want me to be the 'crustycrusty queen' to her 'prettypretty princess' [or when we'd wrap each other in bedsheets to reinact clash of the titans].....
such a youthful beauty; outlaws for life.
smileful write.
ness

Kissing Jesse...Jesse James your lucky you didn't get an ass-whoopen as well...Jesse must have been out of character at that moment...Great read Gene

I'd shoot ya too if'n' you kissed me wholly on the mouth...let me find my water pistol...e & r

Awww... beautiful!! Takes us right there, Gene, with minds whirling and wheeling with Brokeback Mountain and then some... but the twist - fabulous! I love the telling detail that is so sharp and defining... very cinematic. You've caught the whole atmosphere of boys being boys... of whatever age. But, more than that... of the duallism of relationships, and the importance of playtime in building strong interpersonal bonds. A great piece, much enjoyed. TY Kate xx