The Armchair Cowboy

(c) 1998 by Laurie Kay Olson

Many people know my dad and his wife,
But few know of his vicarious life --
In the company of Louis L'Amour,
The likes of Zane Gray, and many more,
He's gone to experience the old west
Both at its worst and again at its best.
From his old armchair this cowboy would roll
Down to a dusty watering hole.
To throw back a whiskey to quench his thirst,
Downing the rot gut as though it was cursed.
Then out under wide blue prairie skies
He'd ride with a posse to catch the bad guys.
He's forded wide rivers swollen with rain,
He's stopped the villain from robbing the train.
He's been the far-reaching arm of the law,
In gun fights he's been the fastest to draw.
But the time would eventually come
When this cowboy must hang up his gun.
He would reluctantly close the book,
His eyes retaining a distant look.
Just looking at that ratty old chair
You'd never guess all that happened there.
For now his trip to the west is done --
Out hero rides into the setting sun.