Arthur Chapman Never Poems
- 1. The Ostrich-punching Of Arroyo Al
I was broke in Arizony, and was gloomy as a tomb
When I got a chance at punchin' for an outfit called Star-Plume;
I did n't ask no wherefores, but jest lit out with my tarp,
As happy as an angel with the newest make o' harp.
... - 2. The Old Yaller Slicker
The old yaller slicker's the cowpuncher's friend-
His saddle is never without it-
It's rolled in a bundle and tied at each end,
But it's ready for service, don't doubt it.
... - 3. The Old-timer
He showed up in the springtime, when the geese began to honk;
He signed up with the outfit, and we fattened up his bronk;
His chaps were old and tattered, but he never seemed to mind,
‘Cause for worryin' and frettin' he had never been designed;
... - 4. The Old Dutch Oven
Some sigh for cooks of boyhood days, but none of them for me;
One roundup cook was best of all-'t was with the X-Bar-T.
And when we heard the grub-pile call at morning, noon, and night,
The old Dutch oven never failed to cook the things just right.
... - 5. The Meeting
When walkin' down a city street,
Two thousand miles from home,
The pavestones hurtin' of the feet
That never ought to roam,
... - 6. Pete's Error
There's a new grace up on Boot Hill, where we've planted Rowdy Pete;
He died one evenin', sudden, with his leather on his feet;
He was Cactus Center's terror with that work of art, the Colt,
But, somehow, without warnin', he up and missed his holt.
... - 7. Out Among The Big Things
Out among the big things-
The mountains and the plains-
An hour ain't important,
Nor are the hour's gains;
...
