Michael Weidemann Michael Weidemann

Bull Riding

russell shaw cowboy poet bull riding poem

He was beginning to think as he mixed a drink

Of a way to spice things up

When a bull caught his gaze through the evening haze

As he was filling his cup

He began to wonder bout that bull over yonder

In his mind he began to see

A puncher or a hack climbing onto his back

To find out what was to be.

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As dinner was preparing a few were raring

To move this idea along

They fashioned together some panels with leather

To make a chute that was strong

With just a handle of rope they found some dope

To climb aboard the beast

When they pulled the gate to determine his fate

Nothin’ happened not in the least


So they fashioned some hackles around his testackles

Then cinched it up good and tight

They again pulled the chute and all let out hoot

The rider was in for a fight

From the beginning there was bucking and spinning

And fear in the cowboy's eyes

It soon became clear when the dirt meets the rear

That's where the real danger lies

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Having seen what occurred was absolutely absurd

The talk now focused again

On the ticks of the clock once you’ve released the stock

To determine a rider’s win

So they counted to eight when they swung the gate

And most all of the riders found

That was hard to get done when attempting the run

Before ending up on the ground.

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So now we find whiskey mixed up with risky

Is behind Rodeo’s main event.

Created by ones bored with an empty gourd

Now I’m pretty sure that’s how it went

So now you all know what has started this show

Of carless Cowboy pursuit

That has us enthralled till the rider is sprawled

Once they have opened the chute.

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