The Roper

Redford and Cash

Can't beat: Westerns, Robert Redford, and Johnny Cash. Can't beat it.

A poet, from a dusty plain

One morning I woke up, really early. I didn't know what to do with myself. I worked out, read a little, ate, showered... Sorry for all those Facebook updates... Then I thought, maybe I'll write a poem. Now, generally, I don't have those kind of thoughts, like ever. I haven't written a poem since my junior year of high school, but nonetheless, I gave it a shot. What could it hurt? Be gentle on me. I'm still a novice.

This was written by my 1870's self, a cowboy. He's a got a story to share.

I'm a lying man, that's the only truth I knew.
Mistakes I've made, not numbered a few.
Plauged with pain, a lost soul was I.
Downtrodden and whipped, the end was surely nigh.

Then she came, saved me from my plight.
She offered redemption, she showed me the light.
My better self, that's who I became.
Not for her, nor for the fame.

Changed to deserve an angel from God.
No longer a hypocrite, not guilty of fraud.
A second chance given, it was never earned.
Able to cross them bridges, the ones I burned.

I'm still awaiting for that call.
A woman, who's going to help me overcome my fall.
So today I stand alone, a decision to make.
To become a man or continue to fake.

This may be too deep for ya. Questions? Call me.

Yep, I did it again.

This is Arcade Fire's song, My Body is a Cage, to the movie, Once Upon a Time in the West. Westerns are so raw, the stare downs are all these men need to communicate. The music is a nice modern touch.

Be a Cowboy. Simple.

Sean wants to be one.

John Grady Cole.

I bet you don't know the name, but you can assume a couple things about him by just hearing his name. You could derive that when he introduces himself he looks you in the eye, gives you a firm handshake, and states his whole name. He is humble, but is willing to draw blood for his friend. When you say his name, you know you could trust him. You know he will be loyal. You know John Grady Cole is a man, a man that lives to be a cowboy. So what if he is a fictional character (from the movie and book All the Pretty Horses), he gives you a reason to believe.

His story is one of the many stories that makes up the ideology of being a Cowboy. Watch any western movie, listen to a country song, or go down to the livestock auction, and you will see the dogma I am talking about.

There is something mystic about this dying breed. Their twang and tone is off, but yet endearing. Their lives are filled with hardship, you can tell from their skin; its worn from the punishing work and climate they expose themselves to. Their politeness is uncanny, and you know they know how to love.

People dog on country music. All they sing about is animals, losing their girl, and their truck. Well, that is what happens. Pretty simple. Pretty awesome. Just like our own Silent Cowboy, Walker Wood. Awesome.

They don't have time to go to a doctor. They don't have time to sleep in. They don't have time for pussyfooting. They don't have time for the B.S. The rules or religion, of a cowboy is simple: Be loyal and honest. Work (Pure Country). Love your woman (Lonesome Dove). And get back on once you have been bucked off (think Lane Frost). Now, tell me that ain't a code that everyone should live by.

Being wholly committing oneself to the doctrine of Cowboy is not for every soul. There are sacrifices to be made. Big and small. From being dirt poor to wearing tight pants, its a lifestyle. Its the way of the cowboy. I don't know many true cowboys. I think most are dead and gone. But hell, I am fixin' to pretend while I can.

The Century Post.

This is the 100th post. We are not going to recap my presidency thus far. We are not going to stand and cheer while I wave my bat (Cricket loves their century marks). We are not going to make a cake either.... I know that if you add up the posts it doesn't equal 100. To be honest some posts were deleted. But nonetheless there has been 100 posts, just to clarify.

Marty Robbins, an oldie, but a goodie. He also had a song in Rango.

This post is a prelude of a post to come. I suggest that in preparation for that post you watch, Silverado, The Magnificent Seven, any John Wayne movie, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Be prepared to share what you get out of your viewing. Remember, there are no wrong answers or ideas, just ones that don't make sense.

P.S. I love Feleena... I mean, I heart Feleena.