The birds are flying south for the winter

A frost lies solid on the ground

A poor Missouri cowboy

Wants to be homeward bound

 

He's travelled many weary miles

Through wind and hail and snow

His horse lies tired beneath him

But they still have miles to go

 

His saddle creaks in protest

As his eyes grow tired and weak

He struggles with his wild rag

A barrier to the frost for his cheek

 

The night draws in around him

And the stars come out above

There not a cloud in the sky

As he thinks about his love

 

He knows that she lies waiting

And that she misses him so

And it warms his heart greatly

And spurs him on to go

 

But there is the might frozen river

A devil of a thing to cross

He wonders if he'll make it

Or if the cause is lost

 

The ice is thick and heavy

As he rides out slowly now

He prays to God it won't crack

Nor split, spit or bow

 

Half way across he feels it

A tear, a render loud

The ice breaks beneath him

He has to turn around!

 

But the water takes them both

And pulls them further down

Both horse and rider faulter

And on that ice cold night they drowned

 

'Tis a sad tale I've related

But one that had to be told

About a young cowboy

And the coming winters cold

 

So keep warm and careful

For the sake of your loved one

Think of that lonely sweet girl

Who's dreams are now undone

 

 

 

Copyright  Joe Poncho 2009.