The Young Cowboy

By Anna Bohnett, WCFS Senior

Inspired by song called “Dust” in the Roy Rogers film “Under California Stars” 

Part one of four

The Young Cowboy coughed,

His eyes were mere slits,

He scanned the horizon,

Watching for hidden pits.

The cows behind him were restless,

As if they new something was wrong.

The sheep bleated pitifully,

Oblivious to the cowboys’ song.

Suddenly, from the west,

He saw a cloud of dust.

It rolled towards him rapidly.

It turned the sun to rust.

He wheeled his horse around.

He had to warn the rest.

In a dust storm, survival

Was a slim chance-at best.

He rode up to the cook;

Who rode a gelding white.

He pointed to the west

As the dust cloud came to sight.

The cook, he told the boss,

Who frowned in deepest thought.

The men, with bandanas might live,

But the steers and lambs could not.

He ordered the cowboys onward.

To head north was their only chance.

Maybe they could be safe-

If they could find a ranch.

The cowboys covered their faces

Wit their bandanas large and red.

“Hurry!” cried the boss.

“Find a ranch!” he said.

All too soon,

The dust was surrounding.

Dust and sand swirled all around.

Cattle lowed, but no cowboys could sing.

 The Young Cowboy looked,

But could not see the sun.

He looked hard for landmarks,

But there were none.

(To be continued next month)